Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-17-15

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XXXVIII

NO. 51

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

QCHRON.COM

FIX THIS

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

NOW! Addabbo calls for repair of Rockaway trestles

PAGEE 5

Pointing out the deterioration of the Rockaway Beach Rail Line, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. called for immediate repairs to the stanchions before any transportation or park alternative is placed there.

PREPARED FOR TAKEOFF

MORE BUS LANES

KING OF COMICS

A look inside TWA hotel

Short-term SBS coming in ’17

Run-DMC hip-hop hero talks life and art before his Queens appearance

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Council backs Willets West mall project Votes to file court brief supporting builders in appeal of parkland ruling

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

T

he City Council voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to file a friend-of-the-court brief backing the developers who seek to build a mall in the Citi Field parking lot, a plan denied by the state Supreme Court Appellate Division because, though paved over, the site is technically parkland.

The tally was 46-2, with one member, Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens), abstaining.

The project, a joint venture planned by Sterling Equities, a real estate firm owned by the same people as the New York Mets, and the Related Companies, a major developer, was planned in conjunction with the Bloomberg administration. Under the for mer mayor, the city gave 47.5 acres of land to a conglomerate created by the two firms, the Queens Development Group, so it could build a 1.4 million-square-foot mall on the site. The project was tied to the redevelopment of Willets Point proper, the Iron Triangle, under which the city would force out the myriad auto-related businesses there so a hotel, more retail, housing and other commercial buildings could be erected.

But unlike the Iron Triangle, the Citi Field parking lot is part of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Led by state Sen. Tony Avella

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(D-Bayside), a coalition of businesses, residents and park advocacy groups sued in state court to block the project, arguing that it would be illegal because parkland can only be turned to another use by action of the state Legislature. Albany had taken no action to alienate the Citi Field lot.

The defendants argued that a 1961 agreement with the city that allowed the construction of Shea Stadium also gave the QDG the right to build the mall.

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The dissent: Only Councilmen Paul Vallone, left, and Rory Lancman voted against siding with the Willets West developers in court. New Councilman Barry Grodenchik abstained. All three repreFILE PHOTOS sent parts of Queens.

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They won the first round, with a state Supreme Court justice giving the project the green light on Aug. 21, 2014. But the plaintiffs won the second round, as on July 2, 2015 a four-judge Appellate Division panel ruled unanimously that the project would not be a legal use of the site.

At the time, supporters of the decision contended that if the developers appealed, as they immediately said they would, the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest, would be unlikely

to even hear the case because the Appellate Division had ruled unanimously.

But the Court of Appeals on Nov. 23 agreed to hear the case, Avella et al. v. City of New York et al. The de Blasio administration, however, declined to join the QDG in appealing.

So the City Council voted to back the builders with its friend-of-the-court, or amicus curae, brief.

The QDG, anticipating the outcome of the vote correctly, said in a statement issued Tuesday: “We are gratified that the City Council has reaffirmed its strong support for our unprecedented, private $3 billion investment in Queens that will reverse 100 years of pollution, create thousands of good-paying jobs and turn vacant lots into a vibrant neighborhood.

We remain hopeful that the Court of Appeals will join the Council, the local community board and many others in ensuring that the bold vision for this site moves forward.”

The resolution points out that the Council authorized the redevelopment of Willets Point over a years-long process that included the granting of special permits and a rezoning.

Prior to the vote, when asked her position by the Queens Chronicle, the office of Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), who leads the borough’s delegation, said in an continued on page 22

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Addabbo says Rockaway line needs repairs before it gets train, park or bus

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

As cars drove past the abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail line over Yellowstone Boulevard near Alderton Street in Forest Hills on Tuesday, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) called on the MTA to repair the stanchions holding the rightof-way up to ensure it would not collapse on the people below.

“No matter what we do with the unused rail, safety and structural stability of this line has to be considered,” Addabbo said.

“Whether we do something or nothing, these stanchions must be repaired.”

The line, which connects Ozone Park to Rego Park, has been abandoned since 1962 and has been proposed as the site for a 3.5mile stretch of parkland known as the QueensWay. Other ideas for the dilapidated stretch include putting the train back on the line or using it as Busway or doing nothing with it, an idea the senator has backed. Regardless of what is done, Addabbo added, the stanchions have to be fixed immediately for the safety of all those who travel underneath the trestles.

“It’s a place they have to travel to get to work, or home or school,” he said of Yellowstone.

Addabbo pointed to several rust holes in the stanchions, one big enough for him to fit his hand through, and noted that water often

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. is calling on the MTA to immediately repair the stanchions holding up the old Rockaway Beach Rail Line, saying any further deterioration could pose a risk to motorists PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY and pedestrians. leaks through the top of it. The disrepair is apparent across the entire line, he said.

The senator said he’s reached out to the MTA about the needed repairs and though off icials recognized the need for the repairs they weren’t necessarily happy about them.

“It’s going to mean more capital funds

to repair this,” he said. “It’s something else for their to-do list.”

A spokeswoman for Addabbo said in an email shortly after the press conference that the senator was scheduled to meet with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Mayor’s Office on Wednesday to discuss the stanchions.

When asked by a reporter if the costs for any of the alternatives proposed for the line include the rehabilitation of the stanchions, he said he hopes so.

“I am going to assume, and hopefully correctly assume, that any proposal has the rehabilitation as part of that plan,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Trust for Public Land, the group proposing the QueensWay, did not respond to a request for comment.

That plan would cost about $120 million.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park), the driving force behind putting a train back on the line, said the $700 million plan does include the rehabilitation of the support beams.

“When the MTA and Department of Transportation begin building the new rail l i ne, t h at’s somet h i ng t h at w i l l be addressed,” an optimistic Goldfeder said.

The assemblyman, whose district overlaps with Addabbo’s, also hoped Tuesday’s press conference would lead the senator to support a transportation alternative on the line instead of leaving it as it is.

“I’m disappointed the senator doesn’t recognize the need for transpor tation infrastructure and hope that his event yesterday is a first step in realizing the true need for it,” he said.

Frank Gulluscio, district manager of Community Board 6, thanked Addabbo for Q advocating for safer infrastructure.

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

Senator calls for fast rail trestle fixes

Group ‘disappointed’ it can’t patrol parks Federal agency bars HB-COP from entering Gateway recreation area

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

ance for up to $2 million.

He added that before he was told he couldn’t patrol the parks, he worked hand-in-hand with U.S. Parks Police off icers on issues affecting the Gateway area, such as illegal clamming, cars parking where they shouldn’t be and more.

“Honestly I didn’t feel it was that big of an issue,” Thompson said. “We were being an extra set of eyes and ears.”

Norman wrote that he will pass Thompson’s request to patrol the parks to Gateway’s superintendent, along with his recommendations.

The patrol president wrote that he will respect the NPS’s decision and instruct his members not to enter Gateway sites.

This is not the f irst time Thompson’s group has run into trouble patrolling Howard Beach.

Earlier this year, some community leaders criticized him for not having official NYPD sanctioning. It

Don’t expect to see this vehicle around Gateway National Recreation Area.

The National Park Service has barred the Howard Beach Civilian Observation FACEBOOK PHOTO Patrol from surveilling federal parkland in the community. later came out that he had pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption for promoting prostitution years earlier, for which he served no jail time, and said he had learned a lesson and has abided by the law since then.

He also got into a disagreement with Deputy Inspector Jeffrey

Schiff, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, af ter he claimed his patrol group was responsible for a decrease in crime and for posting an email exchange that misrepresented the sanctioning of his group.

Thompson has since apologized to the precinct for those actions. Q

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The Howard Beach Civilian Observation Patrol has been barred from surveilling federal sites in the community by the National Park Service, which oversees Gateway National Recreation Area. “... until further notice, you and members of the Howard Be a ch Civ i l ia n Obse r vat ion Patrol Inc. may not engage in any secu r it y t y pe pat rols of ou r National Parks, and further must follow the same rules and regulations that apply to all visitors to these Parks, which can be found on the GNR A website,” Capt.

Greg Norman, district commander of the U.S. Park Police, said in a Nov. 24 letter to the patrol’s president, Joe Thompson.

Thompson, who posted a photo of the letter to the group’s Facebook page, said he was “disappointed” in that decision.

“I’m just disappointed that

they don’t want our neighbors help in just walking around the park,” he said in an interview.

Thompson said his group was patrolling the parks until September, about a year and a half after it started, when he was notified

by NPS officials that they should stop all activity in those areas.

The Gateway National Recreation Area sites in Howard Beach are Spring Creek, Hamilton Park and Frank Charles Memorial Park — all patrolled by U.S. Park Police.

In his letter, Norman says the NPS “would likely assume some liability for the actions of your HBCOP should they be allowed to conduct patrols, regardless of any insurance policy your association may have.

“They would be acting as agents of the government in some sense, and that cannot be permitted at my level,” the commander continued.

Thompson told the Queens Chronicle he has liability insur-

Short-term SBS coming in ’17 Bus lanes to be put along parts of Woodhaven Blvd.

by Anthony O’Reilly FILE PHOTO

Associate Editor

The Department of Transportation will be implementing a “short-term” Select Bus Service project in early 2017 along Woodhaven Boulevard from Park Lane South to Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue before going ahead with the full project, according to the agency.

The DOT first made the announcement at a Community Advisor y Committee meeting at Borough Hall on Tuesday and later uploaded the presentation given there to its website, detailing its plans for the short-term proposal.

According to the presentation, the initiative will include “street resurfacing, Roadway and pedestrian safety improvements, Bus lanes and transit signal priority and Median bus stops along 1.3 miles of corridor,” between the aforementioned intersections.

There will be curbside stops at some intersections and median bus stops for others, according to the agency’s map.

The bus lanes already in effect from Dry Harbor Road to Metropolitan Avenue — not part of SBS — will continue to operate during morning and evening rush hours, the presentation states.

The DOT claims going ahead with the fully-funded short-term project will help

Photo contest!

The Department of Transportation presented its short-term Select Bus Service project to a READER PHOTO Community Advisory Committee on Tuesday. officials with the final design and implementation of SBS — which will connect riders from Woodside to the Rockaways.

The design for the short-term SBS project will be presented to the community in 2016 and after it is put into service will be

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The winner gets free passes to an offBroadway show or other family-friendly performance or in or around the city. You’ll also see your photo published. We’ll announce the winner in January.

E-mail your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com. Please say Holiday Photo Contest in the subject line. Or snail-mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374. The deadline is Monday, Jan. 4. Good luck!

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EDITORIAL

P

AGE

Council would alienate both parkland and the public

Y

ou would think that when Mayor de Blasio wisely chose not to join in the appeal filed by developers in Avella et al. v. City of New York et al., that would be enough for the rest of our elected officials.

But unfortunately, it wasn’t. Perhaps showing their true colors, nearly every member of the City Council voted on Wednesday to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, backing the illegal construction of a 1.4 million-square-foot mall next to Citi Field. The move is an outrage.

Credit must be given to those lawmakers who did not join the majority on the wrong side of the 46-2 vote. They are Councilmen Rory Lancman of Fresh Meadows and Paul Vallone of Bayside. They deserve the thanks of every New Yorker who cares about the sanctity of our parks and who is concered about the backroom deals that drive too much of today’s crony capitalist economy, in which politicians and business leaders collude against the public interest. Also doing better than entering a yes vote was new Councilman Barry Grodenchik, who abstained. Every other member who cast a vote cast the wrong one.

Here’s why: Though it is paved over, the Citi Field parking lot where the mall is planned is part of Flushing Mead-

ows Corona Park. That means that under the Public Trust Doctrine, it’s illegal to use it as anything other than parkland without action by the state Legislature, a process called alienation. That was never done in this case.

Instead, the Bloomberg administration handed over nearly 50 acres of public land to the developers, a joint venture between the Related Companies, a major builder, and Sterling Equities, the real estate firm owned by the same people who own the Mets. The idea was that the mall project, dubbed Willets West, was needed to fund the redevelopment of Willets Point proper, the Iron Triangle.

That’s a crock. Related and Sterling are loaded. They could build on Willets Point, once the city finishes kicking out all the businesses located there, without any corporate welfare. And if they can’t, so be it. Someone else could.

But the main point is that the land cannot legally be built upon unless it is alienated. That’s why state Sen. Tony Avella of Bayside and a band of citizens and park advocates sued to block the project. Even if you don’t care to preserve this particular piece of the park, since it is of course just a parking lot, think of the precedent the project would set. No parkland in the state would be safe anymore.

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Keep the park open Dear Editor: (An open letter to Mayor de Blasio) The Auburndale Improvement Association, Inc. is a civic organization covering the Auburndale section of Flushing and western Bayside. We have over 500 members. You addressed our members at one of our monthly meetings when you were the public advocate.

We are writing to you today because we are concerned to hear that there are plans to rent out Flushing Meadows Corona Park to forprofit enterprises like concert promoters and the like. These rentals may affect the ability of local people to utilize the park for several days at a time. This we find totally objectionable.

So many people rely on Flushing Meadows Corona Park as a place for recreation and relaxation. It is a heavily used park, especially on weekends. It must always be open to the public.

If this park is rented out to a for-profit organization, there must be a policy put into place so that the park can still be used by the public.

Along the same lines, no permit should be granted to any group whose request would essentially close the entire park to the public.

Also, there are many other impacts that any type of entertainment event would have on the park and the surrounding communities that must be taken into account. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz outlined those concerns in her letter to you regarding this matter.

We hope that all of these concerns will be © Copyright 2015 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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The first judge who heard the case ruled incorrectly, interpreting a 1961 agreement with the city that allowed Shea Stadium to be built as also allowing a use such as the mall. That’s also a crock. As four judges in the Appellate Division made clear after the plaintiffs appealed, that pact only applies to the baseball stadium. They ruled correctly.

But the builders, and the city, had one more bite at the apple: the Court of Appeals, the state’s highest. The developers appealed and the court agreed to hear the case. That alone smacks of cronyism, as the court very rarely will take a case when the Appellate Division has ruled unanimously.

And that’s when the city’s executive branch dropped out of the matter, with de Blasio declining to join the appeal.

Which led to the City Council’s offensive resolution authorizing the speaker to file the friend-of-the-court, or amicus curae, brief backing the Related-Sterling joint venture, called the Queens Development Group. The lawmakers who voted to do that voted not only to alienate a big part of the park but a big part of the public. Shame on them.

When the Court of Appeals nixes this project for good, don’t forget which side your City Council member was on.

With very few exceptions, it was the wrong one.

E DITOR

addressed by you and other stakeholders, so that the park is always available for public use.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park truly is the “backyard” of the working-class people of Queens and that reality must be protected and respected at all costs.

Terri Pouymari, President Henry Euler, First Vice President Auburndale Improvement Association, Inc. Flushing

Fight City Hall’s (S)BS Dear Editor: Re “Pols, groups push for SBS at City Hall,” Dec. 10, multiple editions: The people who went to City Hall to demand SBS were most likely paid to protest.

Very much like the Occupy Wall Street crowd.

Everything was fine before our mayor started making problems with this SBS on Cross Bay and Woodhaven boulevards. The buses ran along just fine during rush hour. Of course, if you tell bus riders they can fly along Woodhaven to get to the subway in five minutes instead of nine or 10, they would want it. They are not the only people who count. I am sure there are

just as many drivers as bus riders. I really find it hard to believe the city numbers: 30,000 bus riders daily. And many go only a short distance to get to the train.

Why is there no rush-hour bus to take people to the train in Old Howard Beach? That would be a big help for those who have a hard time getting up all those stairs. There is an elevator at that station. Since the DOT has so much money to waste, why not do something good for the residents of South Queens? I am sure many more people would use that seldomused train station, and a bus to it would take car traffic off Cross Bay and Woodhaven.

Just remember, there are absolutely no alternative routes to those boulevards. We are not Brooklyn or Manhattan. In those places the streets are very organized. Many other streets run parallel to those with bus lanes. Drivers have many choices. Here we do not.

Are we supposed to have all the trucks, large vans and cars at a standstill so the bus riders can sail along? Are we supposed to have our side streets made so dangerous just so the bus riders can get to their destinations a few minutes earlier? Are we supposed to have all this horror in order for our crooked city to make

SQ page 9

The homeless crisis Dear Editor: Down an embankment off Cross Bay Boulevard, there are several homeless sleeping on a huge mattress. I was walking past them this morning and it appeared a giant walrus was awakening as the coverings they were using as a blanket shuddered as they awoke, and all I could see were arms and legs thrashing about.

I realize they may choose to live like that rather than go to a shelter, but there are many nooks and crannies throughout the city where thousands survive.

It seems like an impossible situation to fix, and with rents still rising, the problem is only going to get worse, especially for single men with little or no income nor any family to fall back on.

Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

Fight for retirees

Merit vs. preferences Dear Editor: The U.S. Supreme Court constitutional case opposed to racial preferences which violate non-whites’ right to equality under the law should be clearly judged in favor of the white woman, Abigail Fisher, an applicant to the University of Texas, on two simple grounds.

The cold will come Dear Editor: As we approach Christmas, instead of singing “White Christmas,” perhaps we should be singing “In Your Easter Bonnet”!

The weather this month has been more typical of early to mid-April than early to midDecember. Some of the deciduous fruit trees have begun to bloom again, their purple and pink flower buds putting on an early-spring show. Roses are blooming all over the area.

People are walking around in jackets and sweaters instead of bulky winter coats and scarves, hats and gloves.

El Niño certainly has turned the weather topsy-turvy, but that too will eventually change, once this weather phenomenon begins to weaken. This mild weather cannot last too much longer. We are going to pay for this beautiful early-spring preview dearly come January, February and March, just like last year.

Last December was also mild; we had several 60-degree days as well, but in January the Arctic air and heavy snow began to pummel our area unmercifully!

John Amato Fresh Meadows

DECEMBER EARLY DEADLINES The Dec. 24 edition of the Queens Chronicle will be distributed on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

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Dear Editor: With the upcoming 2016 presidential and congressional elections fast approaching, it is critical that federal candidates remember seniors and focus on our crucial issue of retirement economic security.

Currently, there is no presidential candidate standing up about this problem confronting older Americans. Which one will call out modern corporate executives who believe the companies they lead have zero responsibility to their loyal retirees?

This is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it is about protecting older Americans and millions of retirees in need of national solutions.

Old-fashioned lip service from politicians can no longer be acceptable.

The Boomers (age 51-69) alone were 31.8 percent of the voting population in the 2012 presidential election and those age 65-plus were 22.3 percent of voters. Older voters are a powerful bloc, and to ignore our needs and loyalty is a big mistake.

I urge my fellow retirees to join me and the nonprofit protectseniors.org in fighting for retiree protections and making our voices and votes valued this election season.

William Viggiano Williston Park, LI

First, racial preferences for less qualified African Americans deny more qualified and equally qualified white students’ admission to limited admission slots, which is a patent injustice to the latter applicants. Secondly, empirical evidence illustrates adverse effects upon minorities.

For example, a study by UCLA professor Richard Sander has demonstrated that racially preferred students earn lower grades, and are less likely to graduate. Another study has shown that 51 percent of racially preferred African-American first-year law students were in the bottom 10 percent of their class; only 5 percent of whites were in the bottom 10 percent. Asian Americans, also a minority, don’t qualify as preferred racial minorities just because they have the highest admission test scores; so Asian Americans are limited.

Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas (African American) and Antonin Scalia (white) both agree that the litmus test for college admission is academic merit, equally judged despite one’s race or color.

The time is over for unconstitutional racial preferences in admissions, as well as all financial perks for colleges which show “diversity” stacked upon racial preference, and all the socalled violations of law which liberals heading the U.S. Department of Justice threaten nonracially preferred colleges with. Inequality of merit is the law of human psychology.

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lots of money in tickets and to spend $31 million? How many pockets will that go in?

Mayors and other politicians come and go.

We are living our lives here, we are here for the long haul. They live elsewhere. They want to make everyone here miserable, and they can walk away. We cannot allow this to happen.

We must band together and fight this.

Madeline Lovallo Howard Beach

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 10

SQ page 10

OPINION

The A-team of the 106th

What I learned from my 36-hour trip to Paris efforts by American

by Phil Goldfeder As I knelt down to say a prayer and lay security agencies to a rose in front of the Bataclan Theatre in coordinate efforts to Paris, where less than a month ago 89 combat additional innocent victims lost their lives to sense- terrorism in France less terror, my heart ached thinking about and prevent future the families and their long road to incidents here at home. recovery.

The problem of As New Yorkers, we face difficult challenges on a daily basis and oftentimes get controlling terrorist lost in our daily grind of trying to earn a movement across living, support our families and raise our European Union states is something that children. There are, however, certain officials continue to struggle with as they events that transcend our daily routines secure their country from threat.

To hear more from the French perspecand force us to forgo the comfort of familtive, I met with leading policy expert Yves iarity and rise to meet new adversity.

Unfortunately, we are no strangers to Bertoncini, director of the Jacques Delors terror. I am proud to represent neighbor- Institute and an administrator in the Eurohoods in Queens that are home to more pean Commission. We discussed the new first responders than almost any other realities in France that the attacks underscored. France’s society and its governarea of New York City.

We have all seen the result of terror and ment are just coming to terms with the lax as we continue to be targeted, our families border security and the problems faced by rise to the challenge and help each other impoverished, disaffected populations, which have helped radiremain strong. cal extremism take root With that in mind, I in their backyard. Movtraveled last week to ing for ward, France France with a very simueens will stand faces the challenge of ple m e s s a g e : Ne w with Paris as it keeping its 66 million Yorkers st a nd w ith citizens safe, while Paris and the rest of the recovers from the safeguarding their qualworld against terror. ity of life that helps Makeshift memoriterrorist attacks. d r aw v isitor s f rom a ls h ave b e e n lef t around the globe. untouched and were With this thought in mind, visiting still growing as steady streams of people continued to pay their respects to the 130 some of the Paris landmarks was bittervictims murdered in six different loca- sweet but, as French officials explained, an important part of their recovery. tions across Paris.

As we know all too well, the biggest The French language barrier was tough to overcome, but no words needed to be part of any recovery from tragedy is a spoken as I shared emotions with French returning sense of normalcy for tourists citizens and other visitors from across the and ultimately for local families and residents. world.

My 36 hours in Paris were some of the What is normally a busy holiday season was reduced to light crowds and hardest of my life, but the resiliency and struggling businesses. While things were strength that I witnessed were reminiscent improving in the month since the horrific of what I have seen right here at home so attacks, the lingering effects are still many times before. There is a new French reality that local families are just beginclearly being felt.

I traveled across the city to speak with ning to understand.

As threats evolve here at home and community leaders, business owners, security officials and victims’ families in across the globe, our responsibility is to my short trip. The security presence was our families and to each other. We are strong in every area, with local police and oceans apart, and while we may not military personnel standing guard at understand each other’s language, we definitely appreciate and understand each many of Paris’ most famous sites.

French victims were eager to share other’s pain.

I brought our Queens resiliency with with me the efforts of 9/11 families to immediately reach out and offer support. me to Paris and did everything I could to They truly appreciated the thoughts and pay our respects and lend our support. In prayers and most importantly the senti- the fight against terror and hate we will Q ment from families who have seen trage- all continue to stand together!

Phillip Goldfeder is New York State dy at the hands of terror.

In meeting with officials from the U.S. Assemblyman for the 23rd District, in South Embassy, I was given a glimpse into the Queens and the Rockaways.

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Q

Two cops and one civilian were honored at the 106th Precinct Community Council’s meeting last Wednesday for having a banner year in 2015.

At top, Police Officer Kyle Riegel, center left, was named Cop of the Year for making 37 arrests in 2015 and 185 since joining the force two and a half years ago.

At middle, Sgt. Edward Galanty, center left, was named Sergeant/Supervisor of the Year for

helping the precinct maintain one of the best crime classification error rates in the city.

Above, Rose Esposito was named Civilian of the Year for her work as a police administrative aide in the precinct.

With the honorees are Lt. Frank DiPreta, the precinct’s special operations coordinator, left, Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff, the precinct’s commanding officer, and Frank Dardani, president of the 106th Precinct Community Council.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 12

C M SQ page 12 Y K

Unattended property being taken in 106th Schiff warns people to keep their eyes open at home and in stores

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

“Unattended property is being left in people’s homes or in commercial establishments,” Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, said last Wednesday at the command’s community council meeting, “people are seeing it and they’re taking it and they’re gone.”

As of last week, the precinct saw 76 more cases of unattended property being taken away than it did during the same time last year.

The thefts, Schiff said, often occur in people’s houses but also take place in businesses along Lefferts, Rockaway and Cross Bay boulevards.

The commanding officer urged the public to remain vigilant in commercial establishments.

“Our officers cannot go into every commercial establishment and police them, that’s not our job,” he said.

The problem, he added, is one of the major contributors to the precinct having 22 more index crimes than it did at the same time in 2014. The week before the council met, the precinct saw 42 crimes against 26 during the same time span last year.

Another factor in the increase, Schiff said, is grand larcenies auto, which are typically taking place north of the Belt Parkway. There were 27 cases in the 106th in the 28 days leading up to

Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Schiff, commanding officer of the 106th, runs down crime stats. the meeting, compared to 20 in 2014.

He said those crimes are difficult to combat because most happen while people are asleep and it’s hard to pinpoint when they were taken.

“We’re talking about a span of six, eight or 12 hours,” Schiff said. “Very briefly do we know when cars are stolen.”

The deputy inspector is reassigning some officers to the midnight shift and sending a “big plainclothes presence” north of the Belt to

FILE PHOTO

combat the problem.

But the 106th Precinct has seen progress in other areas, Schiff said. Domestic violence is down 16 percent for the year.

“We’re identifying a lot more perpetrators,” Schiff noted.

The command saw 14 reported robberies in the 28-day period compared to 23 last year and police have arrested suspects in all but 4 of those cases.

“We’re catching a lot more of these guys and girls,” Schiff said of robbers.

Burglaries are also down — there were 17 reported cases in the 28-day period compared to 23 and there have been arrests made in seven of the cases.

As he does every month, the commanding officer highlighted notable arrests made in the 106th precinct, such as the Nov. 27 arrest of a Howard Beach resident who was charged with possessing 55 decks of heroin. The bust was made after the suspect ran a red light and was found to be driving with a suspended license.

“Do you think that was for personal use?”

Schiff asked. “No, he’s a drug dealer.”

He also detailed the Nov. 19 arrest of Raul Garcia, also a Howard Beach resident, in connection with a Sept. 25 carjacking on Woodhaven Boulevard and 103rd Avenue. He had put an advisory on Garcia’s release from prison on a separate charge, warning that he is a repeat offender living in the area.

On Nov. 29, according to Schiff, three suspects were arrested after they approached a victim and said, “where the money at?” and robbed him of his wallet and other goods. The victim called 911 after following the three suspects to a house.

On Nov. 5, police spotted a woman who was entering houses in the Ozone Park area after Q she was confronted by one of her victims.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 14

C M SQ page 14 Y K

High hopes for city veterans agency Mayor De Blasio, Ulrich pledge to fight for ex-military service members

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The city has worked hard to provide services to the more than 225,000 veterans who call the five boroughs home but it could do better, Mayor de Blasio said last Thursday.

“They deserve every effort to be fully reintegrated into our society, and that doesn’t mean just the thanks and the praise, but the economic opportunities, the healthcare opportunities, everything that will make their lives and their families’ lives whole,” de Blasio said while on board the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

It was on the former warship that the mayor signed into law the establishment of a city Department of Veterans’ Services, which will seek to better assist former military service members.

The department, starting on July 1, will replace the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs and be funded through the City Council, just like any other agency. It is expected to cost the city an additional $335,000 a year though more money could be added by the Council.

The agency, unlike MOVA, will be subject to oversight by the Council to ensure it’s providing the best possible services to city veterans. It will no longer have to coordinate its services through city agencies the way MOVA had to.

For example, it can approve grants for veter-

Mayor de Blasio, sitting, is applauded shortly after signing into law the establishment of the city Department of Veterans’ Services while aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL Manhattan. ans organizations without going through the Department of Youth and Community Development. The agency will also connect homeless veterans with housing, career placement and assist them with veteran benefits.

Retired Gen. Loree Sutton, who has served as commissioner of MOVA since January 2014, is expected to be appointed the head of the Manhattan-based agency.

The bill was proposed by Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), chairman of the

Council’s Committee on Veterans, who fought with the mayor for a year and a half for the creation of the agency.

De Blasio initially opposed the bill because he did not feel a separate agency was necessary to serve veterans, but in early November he announced he would back the legislation.

Speaking to reporters, the mayor said he “wanted to make sure we had enough time to organize it properly, and that was something we negotiated through and we got to a good

agreement on.”

Ulrich, who has several family members who served in the military, and veteran advocates pushed for the bill because they believed MOVA has been ineffective in addressing the needs of former military members, and also criticized the paltry funding it received.

The Ozone Park councilman said funding will no longer be at the mercy of the mayor.

“The Council is now on the hook,” he said.

“You can’t blame the mayor when you’re not happy with veteran services in New York City because we now have a responsibility as well to make sure that things are being done efficiently and that they are funded properly as well.”

De Blasio last week touted that the city has helped 1,800 homeless veterans find permanent homes over the past two years, as well as find jobs for 2,300 of them through the Workforce1 Career Center.

He said those efforts will be “deepened” by De Blasio, whose father served in World War II and had half his leg blown off, said he believes the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should do more for the people it serves.

“So I don’t want for a moment [for] us to mistake the fact that the city’s stepping up as any kind of free pass to the federal government when it comes to fulfilling its obligations,” he said. “But it became clear the city could do Q more, and it was right to do more.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 16

C M SQ page 16 Y K

TWA planners make their pitch at CB 13 Board could give hotel top-flight priority for takeoff as early as Monday night

by Michael Gannon Editor

Tyler Morse pulled no punches Monday night when he explained his company’s vision for a project that will build 505 hotel rooms next to a revitalized TWA Flight Center building at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“We want to bring back the ethos of 1962,” Morse, CEO of MCR Development, said to the Land Use Committee of Community Board 13.

And the lynchpin to the entire project is the restoration and rehabilitation of the classic 1962 Eero Saarinen Flight Center, accompanied by two new six-story hotel structures.

Officially, the community boards that abut the airport will be asked to approve technicalities in long-term leases involving the city, the Port Authority and MCR. Toward that end, Morse said there will be 2,500 construction jobs and another 1,200 that will be considered permanent, along with the effect of reducing traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway.

But he also appealed to members’ sense of nostalgia and history, hearkening back to the dawn of the jet age for passenger travel, a time when Kennedy meant the president and the airport in Southeast Queens was called Idlewild [See related story].

Tyler Morse of MCR Development shows a photo of Howard Hughes, the billionaire who commissioned the iconic TWA Flight Center when he owned the airline. The history of the airline, the jet age and modern art associated with both will be on prominent display in a refurbished PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON terminal and a new hotel.

CB 13’s entire board will be present for a public hearing in Bellerose this Monday night, at which Morse, the Port Authority and possibly others will be making presentations.

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The conventional wisdom on Monday night appeared to be that the committee would recommend approval to the full

board, with attached conditions regarding local employment.

“I think most of the people who show up will be concerned about jobs,” board member Bess De Betham said.

Representatives from Turner Construction, which is the general contractor for the project, are expected to be at Monday’s meeting to address employment during the construction and restoration process, including goals for minority- and women-owned businesses for both the skilled- and nonskilled construction requirements.

Morse said if recent projects at JFK are any indication, there should be no problem with meeting and exceeding those goals.

He said 700 jobs will be added to the more than 40,000 already at JFK, with an additional 500 forecast as indirect jobs.

And Morse said from a hotel management standpoint, local employees are an advantage in a business that is running around the clock at a 24-hour per day airport.

“We’ve found that shorter commutes make for happy employees, and happy employees make for happy guests,” he said. He noted the advantage that workers living nearby would have getting to and from work in bad weather.

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Cross Bay Diner OUR CHRISTMAS MENU

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

and A Healthy & Happy New Year

PASTAS & SAUTÉES • Chicken Tortellini

Sautéed Chicken Breast with Mushrooms, Cheese Tortellini in a Cream Sauce ................................... $27.45

• Chicken Piccata Sautéed Chicken with Artichokes, Capers in a White Wine Sauce............ $27.45

• Pasta Pesto Your choice of Fresh Pasta tossed w/Chicken in Our Homemade Pesto Sauce ...................................................................... $27.45

• Chicken Cordon Bleu

Breast of Chicken with Imported Prosciutto, Swiss Cheese Sautéed in a Creamy White Wine Sauce ....... $27.45

SEAFOOD

ENTRÉES • Roast Leg of Lamb ..................... $28.95 w/Fresh Herbs & Lemon Potato

• Broiled Filet of Sole ................................ $29.95

• Chicken Teriyaki Breast of Chicken with Onions, Peppers, Zucchini, Broccoli, Watercress, Baby Corn, Sliced Carrots in a Teriyaki Sauce .......... $27.45

• Broiled Whole Flounder........................$28.95

• Roast Turkey .............................. $27.95 All White Meat over Apple Stuffing covered with Creamy Turkey Gravy

• Roast Loin of Pork ........................... $26.95

• Broiled Twin Lobster Tails Ea. Tail 8 oz. .... $49.95

Fresh Sliced Mushrooms in a Marsala Wine Sauce................................ $27.45

• Broiled Filet of Tilapia........................... $27.95

• Roast Prime Rib of Beef ..............$32.95

• Broiled Filet of Salmon in a Fresh Dill Sauce .$28.95

• Yankee Pot Roast ......................... $28.95

• Broiled Deep Sea Scallops .................... $29.95 • Broiled Jumbo Shrimp Scampi ............$28.95 Crab Meat or Spinach & Feta stuffing with your seafood: ........add $4.95

STEAKS & CHOPS

• Chicken Marsala Sautéed Breast of Chicken with

• Char-Broiled Spring Lamb Chops (3) ... $34.95

• Chicken Francaise Breast of Chicken in White Wine Sauce ........ $27.45 • Veal Francaise Veal in White Wine Sauce................................. $28.95 • Veal Marsala Sautéed Veal with Mushrooms in a Marsala Sauce...... $28.95 • Veal Piccata Sautéed Veal with Artichokes, Capers in a White Wine Sauce ............ $28.95 • Walnut Crusted Filet of Salmon...........................................$29.95

• Certified Angus Broiled

Salmon Dipped in a Honey Glaze Sauce and Topped w/Chopped Walnuts

NY Cut Sirloin Steak ............................... $32.95

• Seafood Fra Diavolo ....................................................................... $32.95

• Certified Angus Rib Eye Steak ............... $35.95

Sautéed Shrimps, Scallops, Mussels and Calamari in a Spicy Red Sauce

• Certified Angus Porterhouse Steak .......$37.95

• Filet of Sole Francaise ................................................................... $30.95

• Certified Angus

Sautéed in a Lemon Butter - White Wine Sauce

• Lobster Tails (2) 8 oz. each................................$49.95

• Broiled Pork Chops (2) ............................ $26.95

Fra Diavolo in a Spicy Red Sauce, Over your choice of Pasta

All dinners include a Glass of Wine, Choice of Appetizer, Cup of Soup, Choice of Tossed or Greek Salad, Potato, Fresh Vegetable and Dessert, Coffee, Tea or Soda.

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CHILDREN’S MENU • Roast Turkey • Burger w/Fries • Chicken Fingers w/Fries • Grilled Cheese w/Fries • Spaghetti w/Meatball

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APPETIZERS • Fried Calamari

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We Accept All Major Credit Cards All Baking Done On Premises Corporate Accounts Welcomed Private Party Catering Plenty of FREE Parking

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Char-Broiled Roumanian Steak ............ $32.95

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 18

C M SQ page 18 Y K

Trying to stand out in a world full of ‘Walgreens’ Developer ‘excited’ to reopen ex-TWA Flight Center back to the public as hotel

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

F

or Tyler Morse, the hotel his company is building at the former TWA Flight Center is no pharmacy — it’s something different that is not seen in recent developments.

“We’re living in a world that’s becoming more and more homogenized. We basically live in a giant Walgreens. The world is becoming one massive Walgreens,” Morse, CEO of MCR Development, said during a tour of the flight center last Friday. “And I think customers and guests and the general public appreciate buildings like this.”

The same can be said about his last project — the conversion of an Episcopalian seminary in Chelsea into the Highline Hotel at 180 10 Ave. The hotel offers guests a first-class experience while paying homage to the period the structure was constructed in.

He hopes to do the same with the flight center in Queens, honoring the jet age in which the Eero Saarinen-designed landmark was first opened.

“It’s one of the most important buildings in America, if not the world,” he said. “It’s a real tragedy that it’s been sitting here.”

Take for example, the old-fashioned split-flap flight tracker in the lobby of the hotel that will show guests information on the 1,200 flights taking off from JFK every day.

“There’s only one vendor on the planet who makes that,” Morse said. “They’re thrilled about this project.”

The famous tubes inside the center — as seen in the 1999 movie “Catch Me if You Can” — will be kept.

“To walk through those tubes is special. That’s a very non-Walgreens experience,” he said. “You don’t see it anywhere else.”

The luggage check-in area, which is to the right of the entrance of the lobby, will be as it was before the center closed in 2001 — but with a new purpose.

The 8,000-square-foot space will become a food hall, Morse said.

There, you’ll find 12 vendors from the best eateries in the five boroughs.

“We’ll have the best taco purveyor in Queens. We’re going to have the best Ethiopian food purveyor from Brooklyn,” he said. “We’re going to have the hipster coffee guys from Williamsburg.”

Morse said he will be working with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, owner of Red Rooster in Harlem, to bring in “small up-and-coming operators who have great food and an incredible following but don’t have a lot of money and can’t sign big leases.”

That will be one of the six restaurants and four bars within the center.

The space will hold 40,000 square feet of conference space, with 30 small rooms available for the general public to use.

There will also be a museum aspect to the lobby, displaying the history of Trans World Airlines and the jet age.

So how will the 505 guest rooms slated for the hotel fit in with everything else?

“That’s the number one question I get,” Morse said.

The rooms will be separate from the flight center, to the right and the left of the building. People will enter the historic building and then their rooms via interconnected tubes inside the building. They can’t be connected on the exterior due to the landmark status of the building.

But before any of that can be done, there are major renovations that have to be carried out where the lobby will go.

A lot of the paint inside contains lead, there’s asbestos abatement that has to be done, the HVAC system is 65 years old and the roof was sprayed with a nonbreathable coating.

How much will all the remediation cost?

Approximately $65 million of the $265 million that MCR Development is putting up for the project, according to Morse.

The project is expected to create 3,700 construction and permanent jobs.

The development, first announced by Gov. Cuomo in late July, has been approved by the Port Authority Board of Commissioners and the development company has a 75-year lease on the property.

It’s a joint project with JetBlue Airlines, though MCR Development will own 95 percent of the hotel. The three community boards abutting the airport must approve technicalities in leases between the city, Port Authority and MCR. Those will then go to Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and the City Council.

The approval process is expected to last until this coming summer, with construction starting soon after that and ending in 2018.

But Morse isn’t wasting any time in meeting with area politicians and other interested parties, as well as visiting the center many times in the past few months.

“My wife calls this our third child,” the Manhattan resident said.

In a way, working on the hotel is a return to Morse’s younger days when he worked as a baggage handler at Los Angeles International Airport.

“I love traveling, aviation and hotels,” he said. “I’ve traveled to 95 countries. I just love the business.”

During his flights he walked through the center many times, but said it was “too crowded” in the ’80s and ’90s. Part of the reason it closed 14 years ago was because it was too small to accommodate modern air travel.

Still, the building needs and deserves to be restored, Morse said.

“I think this building needs to come Q back to life,” he said.

A rendering of the hotel, which will feature two buildings with the 505 guest rooms to the right and FILE PHOTO the left of the flight center, which will serve as the lobby area.

Tyler Morse discusses the significance of the tubes in the TWA Flight Center, a part of the historic PHOTOS BY ANTHONY O’REILLY building where “Catch Me if You Can” was filmed.

The space where the hotel’s food hall will be.

Guests can wait for their flight in the iconic seating area at the flight center, where the old-fashioned flight tracker will be brought back to its former glory.

C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 20

C M SQ page 20 Y K

S T. JOH N’S EPISCOPA L HOSPI T A L E P I S C O P A L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S I N C .

W W W. EH S .O RG

EPIH-068539

SQ page 21

Donovan Richards looks for changes in city’s major rezoning proposals

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

S CHOOL SPOTLIGHT

John Adams High School in Ozone Park is beaming with pride, as senior studentathlete Joanna Muniz signed a national letter of intent on Friday, November 15 to attend Division I Wagner College in Staten Island to play on the Seahawks’ well-renowned lacrosse team. This marks a OANNA historical accomplishment, as Joanna becomes the first UNIZ female student-athlete from ET OR John Adams High School to attain a Division I athletic IVISION scholarship.

Joanna’s lacrosse team UCCESS coach at John Adams, Ms. Palmieri, said that what is IRST DAMS most impressive about the athletic star on the field is TUDENT “her ferocious face-offs and TO EARN sharp shooting skills, quick feet and excellent stick skills.”

THLETIC Joanna, who began playing lacrosse in eighth grade CHOLARSHIP in Hempstead, Long Island, has helped Coach Palmieri create an unstoppable program at Adams (10-0 in 2014 and 17-1 in 2015). “Joanna is an extremely hardworking and coachable player. She is why I wanted to become a coach,” stated Palmieri.

“At any given time, she will ask me what she can do to improve, even when she is doing amazing … She motivates her teammates on and off the field to do their best and reach their optimal potential.”

Coach Palmieri continued that “is like having an assistant coach on the field, being so knowledgeable and instinctual to the game of lacrosse. She motivates me to push myself as a coach and see what I can pull out of these girls.”

“I am very proud of Joanna, and we will all truly miss her when she goes off to play for her dream school, Wagner College,” declared Coach Palmieri.

Wagner coach Katie Rowan, who previously played and coached at Syracuse University, is reportedly very excited for what Joanna will bring to her future team.

Some of Joanna’s key accomplishments on and off the field include: • playing and serving as captain for the lacrosse, soccer and track teams at John Adams; • earning the status as PSAL’s All Division Player from 20142015 in lacrosse; • ranked #1 in goals for NYC in the 2014-2015 lacrosse season (81 goals in 15 official games); • has earned a GPA of 90; and • student ambassador President for PBIS.

J M S F D I S F A S

Councilman Donovan Richards, head of the Council’s Zoning Committee, has reservations about the city’s rezoning proposals. FILE PHOTO

ATTENTION PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS SCHOOLS: If you would like to be featured on a School Spotlight page, call Lisa LiCausi, Education Coordinator, at (718) 205-8000, EXT. 110.

TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

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“Parking is a concern in Queens, period,” the councilman said.

He pointed out that the trains in some “transit zones,” areas where the new plan would drop parking requirements for senior housing, are unreliable.

“In the Rockaways, we don’t have the most efficient transportation,” he said.

When asked if his “one size does not fit all” approach was influenced by the rejection of the community boards he represents, Richards said he appreciates the panels’ views but that he is also listening to many other people.

“We try to listen to a little bit of everyone,” the councilman said.

De Blasio, last Thursday, uttered similar remarks on the boards’ rejection of his proposals.

“The people’s voice, through the government, must be decisive in addressing the changes in this city, in addressing gentrification,” he said. “But we need a strong policy and the support from these three organizations makes clear how many people in this city recognize that we need real change if we’re going to keep this a city for everyone, for every kind of New Yorker.”

The three organizations the mayor referred to are the Hotel Trades Council, 32BJ SEIU and the AARP — all of which have come out in support of the rezoning initiatives.

Richards said many other Council members are “still digesting” the proposed changes.

Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) is the only Queens member to publicly oppose the plans.

Richards said the Council will be “negotiating ferociously” with the mayor on the proposals to “get as close to a perfect plan as possible,” though he added, “there’s no such thing Q as perfection.”

A S

PHOTOS COURTESY JOHN ADAMS HS

One size does not fit all.

That’s Councilman Donovan Richards’ (D-Laurelton) take on the city’s proposed rezoning proposals that have been voted down by all five borough boards and a vast majority of community boards.

“The city looks different for each community,” Richards said in a telephone interview with the Queens Chronicle on Monday.

“Something that’s a concern for one borough may not be a concern for another.”

The councilman, who heads the Zoning Committee — a panel that will have to vote on the planned changes before they head to the full Council — said his concern about the blanket approach doesn’t mark his opposition to the plans, but rather the beginning of a conversation that needs to be had.

“There’s still a lot of discussion going on,” he said.

While not making any promises, Richards said there’s a possibility for each borough to have a different hearing on Mandatory Inclusionary Housing — which would require permanently affordable units in new developments and enlargements of more than 10 units — and Zoning for Quality and Affordability — which would relax or eliminate parking requirements for senior housing in transit zones and allow for slightly higher buildings in areas zoned for multifamily dwellings.

He also said that before the plans are voted on by the Council, they could change to reflect the concerns and needs of different communities.

“There’s certainly a way to make sure Queens isn’t lumped into something with Manhattan,” he noted.

The plans are an integral part of Mayor de Blasio’s initiative to create or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing.

At an unrelated press conference last Thursday, de Blasio said the plans would be a pushback against the status quo that has plagued affordable living in the city.

“We simply can’t serve the people of this city if we keep doing things the way they were done before,” he said. “So our plan is moving forward, it’s moving forward aggressively.”

Richards lauded de Blasio for tackling the affordable housing crisis.

“I think everybody shares the goal of making sure there’s affordability to live here,” he said. “We are at a time when the affordable housing crisis is real.”

He added his office is “exploring legislation to make sure we track the progress of affordable housing” and will also ensure the units are affordable for all New Yorkers.

Richards was also skeptical of the plan to do away with parking requirements for some new senior housing.

J OHN A DAMS HS

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

One size does not fit all, zoning chair says

The Willets West resolution continued from page 2 email, “The Council voted for the project in 2013. Councilwoman Koslowitz supports the project going forward and as such supports the appeal.”

On the other side of the vote, Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) said in a prepared statement, “I will be voting against authorizing the City Council to submit an amicus curiae (‘friend of the court’) brief asking the Court of Appeals to sustain the Bloomberg administration’s plan to alienate parkland to build a shopping mall at Citi Field.

“The intermediary appellate court has found, correctly in my view, that using the land in question for a shopping mall would improperly alienate parkland without the authorization of the state legislature — an important safeguard against the permanent giveaway of cherished public spaces for minimal public benefit.

“I am not unalterably opposed to a commercial use for this parcel of land, but only in the context of a broader deal that commensurately benefits the public, including an affordable housing mandate and a living wage guarantee for retail workers.”

Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside), who cast the only other nay vote, said afterward, “I voted no on this resolution as the City Council has already voted on this project and the decision should be left to the courts. It is beyond the Council’s

purview to interfere with another branch of government.”

Avella had blasted the resolution in a letter he sent to the Council Tuesday, pointing out that all the prior Council action related only to building on the Iron Triangle, not on the portion of Flushing Meadows Corona Park occupied by the Citi Field parking lot. Avella called the resolution “shocking” and said he was “astonished” to learn of it.

“The lawsuit that is currently before the State Court of Appeals is about whether the developers are entitled, as of right, to develop city parkland to the west of Citi Field without first having to get state legislative approval pursuant to the Public Trust Doctrine,” the senator said. “As such, this case has nothing to do with ‘defending’ the City Council’s approval of the Willets Point Development Plan as purported by the language of this Resolution.”

Claiming the developers used their “undue influence” to get the City Council to take a position opposite that of the community and the administration, he continued, “If this Resolution is taken up today it will be yet another blow to the integrity of our legislative bodies in this state which have clearly been shown to be willing and able to do the bidding of interests that are in direct opposition to the benefit of those Q whom they serve.”

Anthony O’Reilly contributed to this story.

REMINDS YOU TO LIVE SAFELY Have TWO ways to get out of your home.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Have WORKING carbon monoxide/smoke detectors and check them monthly.

Give space heaters a break to cool down.

Avoid sleeping in basements or attics.

Don’t use extension cords as main power sources.

SPOTLIGHT ON ELDER LAW

Top 10 reasons to do a last will and testament

by Nancy J. Brady, RN, Esq. As most people know, a last will and testament is a document, prepared by an attorney to serve as evidence of one’s last wishes regarding how assets and belongings should be distributed after the individual passes away.

A will can serve several other purposes, as summarized below: 1. In a will, a person of your choice can be named to represent you in distribution of your estate. This person is known as the “executor.”

2. The will can include certain clauses for estate tax planning — if the estate is large (close to three to four million or more), language in the Will can delineate the plan for the surviving spouse’s estate — to ultimately minimize taxes on the death of the second, or surviving spouse.

3. If you have minor children who are young, you can include provisions to name your preference for guardians to take care of them personally as well as financially.

4. If you have disabled children of any age, trust instructions can be included in the will in order to have the disabled individual’s inheritance separate, and not jeopardize any benefits they may be receiving.

5. If you are inclined to make gifts of your estate to charity, the charities can be named in the will.

6. Having a valid will in place can streamline the probate process because your wishes are in writing. Without a will in place, determining who is to inherit and petitioning the court accordingly may take more time.

7. In a will you can make provisions for certain specific amounts to be gifted to people.

8. You should not document your wishes for a funeral in your will — the will might not be located or looked at until after your services and burial.

9. You should have a will because tomorrow is guaranteed to no one, and you should have your papers in place to ensure your wishes are carried out, and to make things a little bit easier for your loved ones.

10. If you don’t have a will, the New York State statute regarding laws of intestacy will determine who will inherit your estate. The statute may not accomplish your wishes, and it is simple enough to have a will completed.

The contents of this article are in no way intended to be legal advice, are provided for educational and informational purposes only, and are directed only to those domiciled in the State of New York. Please feel free to call our office if you feel we can be of service to you in any manner. Our attorneys can be reached at Brady & Marshak, LLP, attorQ neys at law, (718) 738-8500.

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Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE

Baby found in manger now with foster family

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 24

C M SQ page 24 Y K

Kiwanis Club gives to toy drive

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The Howard Beach Kiwanis Club graciously donated $500 last Thursday to the Queens Chronicle’s 21st annual Toy Drive.

The money will be used to purchase items — such as toys, clothing and games — for children living in four homeless shelters in Queens: the Kings Inn Family Center in East Elmhurst, the Boulevard Family Residence in Elmhurst, the Metro Family Residence in East Elmhurst and the Saratoga Family Inn in Springfield Gardens, as well as Dove House,

a home for domestic abuse victims and their children in Eastern Queens, and a school in Brooklyn that will give them to the homeless students it serves.

Here, Queens Chronicle Publisher Mark Weidler, center left, accepts the check from Kiwanis Club president Joe DiMarco. They are joined by the club’s immediate past President John Spagnuolo, left, Secretary Dino Bono, Vice President Bobby LoCascio and member Charles Butera.

The infant boy found in a Nativity scene at a Richmond Hill church is now being cared for by a foster family, according to a priest at the parish.

The Rev. Christopher Heanue, administrator at Holy Child Jesus Church, wrote in The Tablet — the official publication of the Brooklyn Diocese — that the boy will remain there “until the mother of the child fully relinquishes her rights as mother.”

During a recent interview with the New York Post, however, she did state she might keep the child.

The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, told the Post that she didn’t feel ready to be a mother and that’s why she brought her child to the church. According to her interview, she recently moved from Mexico, where the father still is.

Under the state’s Safe Haven Law, parents can bring a child up to 30 days old to a church, police precinct, school or fire department, but must notify someone there that they are doing so. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown decided not to press charges against her.

The infant was discovered inside the

The infant boy

FILE PHOTO

church on Nov. 24 by the parish’s janitor, Jose Moran — the father-in-law of Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

Heanue told the Queens Chronicle there are several parishioners who would like to adopt the baby and keep him in the South Queens community, but he acknowledges that might not happen.

“Yet, we know that this is truly in the hands of God,” he wrote in The Tablet. “As the boy’s mother placed her trust in the Q Lord, so must we.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 26

C M SQ page 26 Y K

Pols pen letter to mayor on alliance

by Hannah Douglas Associate Editor

In a letter to Mayor de Blasio last week, a few City Council members laid out their concerns surrounding the formation of the board of directors for the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Alliance.

Stating that the “board’s structure was negotiated in secret,” City Councilmembers Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and Peter Koo (D-Flushing) asked for a seat at the table last Wednesday.

They requested a reassessment of the

board’s structure and added seats to better represent all of the park, which might require an amendment of the bylaws, Lancman said, but he hasn’t seen them.

Now, he believes, only the northwestern section has pull on the board.

“I feel like we’ve already been treated with a lack of courtesy and respect,” Lancman said Tuesday, adding that he wants the mayor to “recognize that he made a mistake.”

Lancman held a press conference voicing his concerns the day after the administration’s announcement of the alliance.

The board includes f ive ex-off icio members: First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris, Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Acting Cultural Affairs Commissioner Edwin Torres, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, with Flushing Meadows Corona Park administrator Janice Melnick as the alliance’s executive director.

However, Monica Klein, deputy press secretary for the Mayor’s Office, said the city “believes the board has wide representation of elected officials and community members throughout the area.”

Lancman’s district includes the southern portion of the park, Koslowitz’s district, the southwestern part, and Koo the northeasternmost space.

City Councilmember Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) negotiated a deal with the United States Tennis Association in 2013 which led to the alliance and more f inancing for the park.

Under the public-private enterprise, the USTA will initially invest $350,000 each year for three years, and then chip in $200,000 a year for an additional 20 Q years.

Taylor out at Homeless Services

by Christopher Barca

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

Embattled Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Gilbert Taylor was removed as the head of the agency on Tuesday, with the Manhattan resident being given an advisory role within City Hall.

“I wish to share a personal note of deep gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Taylor for his tireless work and great effort over the past two years,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement. “I remain grateful for his service to our city.”

Taylor had come under fire in recent months as the number of homeless in the city rose to more than 60,000 in 2015, while a number of shelters popped up in Queens with lit tle to no war n ing to su r rou nding communities.

The stealthy opening of the Boulevard Family Residence at the site of the former Pan American hotel in Elmhurst in June 2014 enraged many area residents and elected officials alike, with state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) calling for Taylor’s resignation multiple times since then.

In a Tuesday statement, Avella said the former commissioner simply had to go.

“Unfortunately, under Gilbert Taylor,” Avella said, “there was an abject failure to self critique and an unwillingness to communicate.”

Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steve Banks will oversee the DHS Q on an interim basis.

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Chancellor talks new additions, initiatives Art, physical education and breakfast programs expanding citywide: Fariña

by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Solving severe overcrowding in classrooms throughout District 24 is not something that will happen overnight, according to Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña.

But she noted there are steps the city is taking in the near future to alleviate the hot-button issue at a few Queens schools that far exceed their student capacity limits.

“I can’t make magic overnight,” Fariña said at last Thursday’s Community Education Council District 24 meeting in Maspeth.

“We’re trying to look at long-term solutions; we don’t want to do any rubber stamping or trying to put a Band-Aid on.”

The chancellor told the crowd of a few dozen parents of Department of Education plans to provide new classroom seats through additions at schools such as PS 143 and PS 19, the largest elementary school in the city in terms of population, in Corona.

The latter school’s addition — which will replace the facility’s trailer classrooms — will require the resitting of students for three years while the new space is being constructed.

“You’ll be able to serve all zoned students, including those now being housed in an offsite annex,” Fariña said. “We’ll be able to have the whole community together in one building.”

“We will be talking to you,” she added.

“We won’t be making these decisions on our own.”

A decision on which grade will be resat during the construction process will be made in conjunction with school officials, according to the Chancellor.

The coming addition to PS 19 will be built at the school, with the relocation of students to nearby PS 315 beginning next school year.

However, Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) has criticized the resitting plan in recent months, saying the addition of pre-K seats at PS 315 will leave little room for relocated PS 19 students, who will then have to be bussed to schools outside the district — something he said at November’s Community Board 4 meeting that “only happens in communities of color.”

Fariña did not discuss the plan in detail and no parent asked a question of her pertaining to the issue.

The chancellor also discussed a variety of new initiatives, starting with the serving of breakfast in classrooms, which began citywide in September after a successful two-year pilot program “Many of our students don’t know how to have what I call dinner-time conversations.

They don’t know how to sit at a table and talk to each other,” she said. “Give a homework

Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, center, speaks on a variety of issues at last week’s Community Education Council District 24 meeting in Maspeth. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA assignment that says tomorrow during breakfast, we’re going to be talking about your favorite toy, the day you had a wonderful day, the day you had a terrible day, so the kids come t o school re a dy t o t a l k about something.”

Fariña added the initiative helps feed foodinsecure students in some of the city’s less affluent neighborhoods.

“There is real hunger in this country, and that’s embarrassing to me,” she said. “The fact that there’s still hunger in this city is ridiculous. We are one of the best cities in the world

and no one should come to school without having breakfast.”

In speaking about physical education in schools, Fariña said the city is looking past classic gym activities such as dodgeball and toward activities like tai chi in terms of fostering healthy living.

“Every month, we take all PE teachers from the boroughs and they get training in ways they can go back to their schools and try new things,” she said. It’s one of the areas that needs the most improvement, but it’s not that we don’t want to do a better job.”

When it comes to the arts, Fariña said the city poured $25 million in new funding this year into such activities.

She also told the crowd she’s applied to the state for a waiver that would allow city middle schools to provide three years of a certain art like band or dance instead of being mandated to provide just one year of education per art, with students then being forced to take a different class the next year.

The city DOE also hosted a meeting in Manhattan last week with various cultural institutions across the city in order to better integrate such groups into the school system and pique the interests of students and teachers alike.

“I live and breathe the arts,” she said. “I Q believe in it. I don’t think it’s a frill.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

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C M SQ page 30 Y K

Moving toward apts. at Abbracciamento’s Demolition of iconic former eatery nears; housing remains on the menu

by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Eighteen months after the idea was first floated, it appears the proposal to place a seven-story, 119-unit apartment building at the site of the former Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant on the Rego Park-Middle Village border is coming closer to fruition.

Last Friday, the Department of Buildings approved a permit for a sidewalk shed at the 62-96 Woodhaven Blvd. location. Three days later, the DOB processed an application pertaining to equipment that will be used to potentially tear down the structure, pending agency approval.

A demolition permit was first filed with the DOB in April 2014 by Woodhaven Capital LLC. That company bought the restaurant — which closed that March after 65 years — and the handful of small businesses that operated on the block from eatery owner John Abbracciamento for $9 million.

However, Wood haven Capital LLC f lipped the property for $10.8 million in February to 62-98 Realty LLC., six months after the small businesses, which included a pet grooming enterprise and a physical therapy center, were forced to close as demolition supposedly loomed weeks later.

Despite the change in ownership, DOB spokesman Alex Schnell said the new

Housing is still on the menu at the site of the former Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant on the Rego Park-Middle Village border, as permits related to the location’s demolition have been filed PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA over the last week. building permit is still active, as is the demolition application.

“It’s more of just changing the names on the paperwork,” Schnell said. “They can retain the same architect and continue the project if they want. They can use the plans

if they’re already approved. It’s not like they have to start over.”

In discussing the demolition plan specifically, Schnell said it hasn’t received the full approval of the DOB just yet, as other various city agencies must first sign off on it.

“It’s common for a demolition application to remain in a no plan exam status for a few months,” he said. “You have to gather a number of sign-offs from various agencies first and they haven’t gotten them yet.”

When the listed phone number for 62-98 Realty LLC was called by the Chronicle on Wednesday, the man who answered the phone said the reporter had the wrong number and hung up.

The owners of the block have drawn the ire of the DOB in recent months, however, when it comes to the status of the building’s once iconic awning, dating back to when the restaurant was the Drake movie theater.

The marquee was partially deconstructed earlier this year, leaving only its skeleton exposed to the elements for months.

On Aug. 14, 62-98 Realty LLC was hit with a $5,000 fine for failing to maintain the structure.

And after months of ignoring the issue, the Flushing-based company was given another violation and an additional $1,500 fine for failing to correct it.

The fines have yet to be pad, but according to Schnell, possible demolition and construction work would be permitted to continue despite the violations.

“In theory,” he said, “the demolition would be a means to cure the violation.” Q

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Police take new steps to catch FoHi arsonist Copycat firebug arrested for setting trash ablaze near 112th Precinct

by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

The Forest Hills arsonist responsible for seven fires at unoccupied properties over the last two months may be even more dangerous than previously believed.

Last Thursday morning, authorities released footage taken on Nov. 8 from a homeowner’s surveillance system near the intersection of 112th Street and 68th Drive, less than a block away from the firebug’s attack on a home under construction at 68-60 112 St. In the video, the man walks through the intersection seemingly favoring his left leg before turning around a corner. Then, in plain view of another camera, he appears to transfer an object, possibly a firearm, from his left ankle to his right front pocket before walking away.

The face of the man who has struck seven different times since Oct. 20 was covered and he was wearing gloves.

And he’s not the man arrested this week for allegedly setting three smaller fires in Forest Hills.

The NYPD said in its release to the media that it “appears” the suspect was removing a firearm from his ankle, but in a Thursday morning tweet, Deputy Inspector Judith Harrison, the commanding officer of the 112th Precinct, said she isn’t sure what the object is.

“I’ve watched it over and over again,” Harrison said in response to a tweet she got from a follower about the video.

“It’s difficult to determine what the object is.”

At last Wednesday’s Community Board 6 meeting, Harrison was joined by FDNY Queens Borough Commander Edward Baggott and Commander Randall Wilson, of the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigation, with the latter saying

Heidi Chain, a member of Community Board 6 and the president of the 112th Precinct Community Council, jots down notes at CB 6’s monthly meeting last Wednesday as Deputy Inspector Judith Harrison, the station’s commanding officer, discusses new methods being used to catch the Forest Hills arsonist.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA

some unusual tactics were soon being implemented in an effort to catch the arsonist.

Within days, Wilson said, investigators will have two flammable detection dogs on loan from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at their disposal after the federal government granted the city’s request to use the animals.

“Not very often,” Wilson said, when asked how common the deployment of canines is within the FDNY. “This is a very unusual pattern.

“I’ve been in the bureau for 24 years,” he continued, “and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Harrison told the board that the city is also in the process of installing security cameras throughout the Cord Meyer section of Forest Hills, which the arsonist seems to be targeting.

However, she said she couldn’t disclose any of the cameras’ locations, as it may compromise the investigation.

“Obviously we’re dealing with a serial arsonist,” Harrison told the board. “I need people, I need resources. And everything I need, I’ve been getting [from the city].”

She’s also received help from her neighbor to the west, with Capt. Mark Wachter, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, telling the Chronicle on Tuesday that he’s lent some of his cops to Harrison recently.

“What we’re doing is we are supplying extra officers to the 112th,” Wachter said. “We’re giving them additional resources to assist their presence.”

The commander didn’t reveal how many of his officers were helping patrol Forest Hills, but he noted that his precinct wasn’t suffering because of it.

“We’re not depleting manpower in the precinct,” he said.

“A lot of those units are on overtime. We’re helping them out until they solve this. It’s a crazy crime.

“If I have issues, she’s always willing to give me some resources,” Wachter added. “What’s stopping [the arsonist] from crossing Woodhaven Boulevard? There’s new continued on page 34

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Forest Hills arsonist update continued from page 32 construction in Middle Village, so that’s why we’re over there.”

For a brief time last Wednesday, Forest Hills residents were worried the arsonist had seemingly grown more brazen, as a series of three garbage fires broke out on Austin Street, with one occurring right outside the 112th Precinct, shortly before and after midnight.

The suspect in those three incidents, 36-year-old Forest Hills resident Samer Shuaib, was arrested Tuesday and charged with three counts each of fourth-degree

arson, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal mischief.

According to published reports, shredded paper was set ablaze outside the Forest Hills command, with officers running outside to put the f lames down with fire extinguishers.

The Daily News reported a parked police car was damaged in the small fire.

Minutes later, material in two Dumpsters were torched within a few blocks of the precinct.

Police have concluded Shuaib is not the man setting fire to homes under construction

throughout Cord Meyer.

Those seven cases of arson, most of which have occurred at homes under construction, including one house that was hit twice, as determined by police include: • 70-35 113 St. on Oct. 20; • 68-60 112 St. on Nov. 8; • 108-13 67 Road on Nov. 10; • 112-35 69 Road on Nov. 15; • 108-43 66 Ave. on Nov. 17; • 108-43 67 Drive on Nov. 25; and • 112-35 69 Road on Dec. 6.

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The proposal put forth by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale) to bring light rail to Glendale and Maspeth received a vote of confidence last Wednesday, as Community Board 5 came out overwhelmingly in favor of it.

By a cou nt of 34 to 6, CB 5 approved a resolution of support put forth by the advisory council’s transportation committee, which met to discuss the idea in September.

The service would operate along the Long Island Rail Road’s Montauk Line, which is used to move freight, and according to Crowley, the agency wants to increase the amount of cargo transported on the tracks, possibly endangering the passenger rail plan.

The first stop on the light rail line would be a station behind The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, with another stop near the Metro Mall and the Metropolitan Avenue M train station in Middle Village.

Each rail car comes with an estimated cost of $3 million and the full project is expected to cost around $50 million.

Light rail is quieter and more energy efficient than regular passenger Q service.

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An East Elmhurst teenager was fatally struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash last Tuesday night, police said, and officials have proposed additional safety measures.

Ovidio Jaramillo, 17, was trying to cross from the southeast corner to the northeast corner of Northern and Junction boulevards at about 10:50 p.m. when a black Toyota Camry hit him, the NYPD reported.

At press time, another incident had occured in Corona, where two children and one adult were injured at Junction Boulevard and 55th Avenue, according to a report

by CBS New York.

“Here we go again,” said state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) in a prepared statement. Just days after 17-year-old Ovidio Jamarillo lost his life to a hit-and-run driver in Elmhurst ...”

“Today’s collision reaffirms the urgency we have for safety improvements for families in Corona and East Elmhurst,” City Councilmember Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) said in a statement.

“Swift action must be taken to keep our residents safe, and I will be restless until that is accomplished.”

DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia and DOT engineers did a walk-through with Peralta and FerrerasCopeland Wednesday of “dangerous streets” like Northern Boulevard.

Police revealed that they are looking to a question a man who was seen exiting the car that struck Jaramillo from the “passenger portion.” Highway collision investigation squad detectives uncovered photos of the man, police said.

The vehicle was traveling westbound along Northern Boulevard through the intersection,

at the edge of Jackson Heights where it meets East Elmhurst and Corona, and continued along after hitting Jaramillo.

He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Area elected officials issued statements mourning Ovidio and calling for improvements to area streets.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ovidio family,” City Councilmember Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) said. “I urge anyone with information on this horrible incident to come forward and report it to the police immediately.”

Peralta and traffic safety advocates held a press conference Thursday morning at the corner where Jaramillo was killed, calling for more safety measures in and around the intersection.

Peralta has introduced legislation requiring the DOT to launch a public awareness campaign on the dangers of being a distracted pedestrian.

He also called on the agency to install speed cameras along Northern Boulevard.

Under Vision Zero, the stretch of the road from 114th Street to 40th Road is an “arterial slow zone,” reducing the speed to 25 miles per hour from 30.

“We need to increase the number of speed cameras on our streets, especially in dangerous intersections such as this one,” Peralta said.

He added that there is a speed camera at 114th Street and Northern Boulevard, a red light camera at 108th Street and Northern Boulevard and another at 84th Street, but there need to be more.

The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is investigating the Jaramillo case. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Q Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

*

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 36

SQ page 36

Ribbon cutting held for police academy Facility in College Point can house more than 3,000 NYPD members

by Hannah Douglas

Queens are proud today, proud it’s here in this great neighborhood of College Point, Police officers and officials gathered out- but it’s something that, obviously, means side the new eight-story 750,000-square- something to all of us as New Yorkers.”

The mayor mentioned that crime is down foot facility, on a windy Tuesday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a police acad- nearly 2.5 percent from last year.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said emy in College Point.

“This facility is extraordinary,” Mayor de that the facility can hold upwards of 3,000 Blasio said Tuesday. “There are, in these members of the NYPD daily for activities like recruit training, four walls, representaservice training and tions of so much of specialized skills what these good men enhancement training. and women will experiHe said the old acadence on the streets of emy, in Manhattan at New York City.”

235 East 20 St., has The establish ment operated as the police hou se s a n 80 0 - se at primary training faciliauditorium, a 660-seat ty, up until the new classroom and a twobuilding’s dedication. story library. It also feaThe new academy t u r e s a nu mb e r of m o c k- e n v i r o n m e n t Mayor de Blasio speaks at the ceremony h a s nea rly 50 0,0 0 0 Tuesday. more feet of space than spaces for training like the old one and more a subway platform with a partial train, a multifamily residence, a than 1,000 parking spaces. The previous grocery store, a bank and a precinct station location was 289,000 square feet, he said.

The new building is only part of phase 1 house.

“Here in Queens, we see something hav- of the project.

“What you see here is only half of what ing emerged that is literally the top of the line, the state of the art, the best of the best,” was originally conceived. All this open de Blasio said. “I know the people of space to my left and in back, was going to Associate Editor

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor de Blasio at the ribbon cutting for the new PHOTOS BY HANNAH DOUGLAS 750,000-square-foot police academy in College Point Tuesday. be the other half of the Academy — originally conceived as a one and a half billion dollar facility.”

The second phase of a nine-story parking garage, a driving range on the roof of that garage, an indoor firing range to replace the Rodman’s Neck facility and a tactical training village, which would cost another $750 million were not completed, he said, citing

the 2007-08 recession.

“We are in the process of, currently, doing the redesign plans for Rodman’s Neck and for Floyd Bennett Field, for purposes of new firing ranges, a new driving range — at less cost than the 750 million,” Bratton said.

He added that he hopes to present a capital budget proposal to complete the work Q next year.

CB 7 leaders angry over Fundraiser for late snub at police academy MidVille girl on Sat. Kelty ‘insulted’ by lack of invite to event

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor-in-Chief

When Mayor de Blasio, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and other officials celebrated the opening of the new police academy in College Point with a ribboncutting ceremony Tuesday, not everyone was cheering.

That’s because not everyone was given the opportunity to cheer.

Gene Kelty, chairman of Community Board 7, said he and other members are furious they weren’t invited to the event, given their role in the process that saw the academy get built.

“We were never invited; I was insulted by that,” Kelty said. “You’re doing something in my district, I should be invited.”

Community board leaders typically are among the celebrants at ribbon-cuttings for large public projects, and some private ones, along with an area’s elected representatives and other government officials.

And, Kelty said, it’s not as if the administration didn’t know he was interested.

“We’ve been fighting for a year” to have

a ceremony at the site, the longtime chairman said, adding that among the other CB 7 people disappointed at the snub are Land Use Committee Chairman Chuck Apelian, Public Safety Committee Chairman Joe Sweeney and member Joe Feminia.

The police academy is long in the making; ground was broken for the project by then-Mayor Mike Bloomberg six years ago yesterday, Dec. 16, 2009.

Even before this week’s ribbon-cutting snub, the CB 7 leadership was angry with the Police Department, over that quintessential Queens issue of parking.

Although the facility boasts more than 1,000 parking spaces, cadets are taking up spots on the streets all around it, Kelty said. The board has complained to the NYPD, but to no avail.

“You go down 28th Avenue, you go down Ulmer Street — they’re parking their cars all over the neighborhood,” Kelty said.

“We just find that the upper management isn’t paying attention, especially the commissioner. The mayor isn’t paying attenQ tion, either.”

Anastasia Kostaris died on July 20

by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Unlike her physical body, the memory of Middle Village toddler Anastasia Kostaris will never die.

Her parents and her neighbors would never allow it.

In memory of the 19-month-old who died of neuroblastoma in July, all donations made at Saturday’s “Santa Claus is coming to town” event on Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. in Middle Village will go to the fundraising effort her parents, Angelo and Christina, have operated since the girl’s passing.

The annual holiday event — where Santa Claus will set up at the intersection of Caldwell Avenue and 70th Street to spread Christmas cheer with area residents and passersby — is organized by Maspeth resident Joey Cotoia and benefits a different cause each year.

Christina Kostaris said the notion is one of the more touching ones they’ve received since their daughter’s death.

“It’s one of the nicer gestures,” said

Christina and Angelo Kostaris hold their daughter Anastasia. The 19-month-old girl FILE PHOTO died of cancer in July.

Kostaris, who is pregnant with another girl. “A lot of people have donated, but when people go out of their way to do something for you, it’s special.”

Since July, the Kostaris family has raised around $100,000 for Anastasia’s Legacy, the fundraising effort set up in order to fund a neuroblastoma treatment program at Cohen Children’s Medical Q Center, where their daughter died.

C M SQ page 37 Y K

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

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DESA-068534

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 38

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Helping in the holiday home stretch You don’t need a magic set to give children a magical holiday season

by Michael Gannon Editor

Kaila has a lot of responsibility for a 6-yearold girl.

Se helps her baby brother get dressed, and with his medical needs. She also helps her mom shop and prepare for her new baby sister who is coming soon.

She is a fan of Disney’s “Frozen” and of Doc McStuffins, and has asked Santa for some related presents this year — a “Frozen” pillow, a Doc McStuffins blanket set, and pajamas or toys from either. Some boots, size 10 and an Easy Bake Oven also are on her list.

Justin, who is 11, likes Batman comic books and art supplies, but also needs some practical items like shirts in men’s small to medium size.

And a magic kit.

They are among the many children in Queens shelters who, whether they wrote it or not, are counting on Santa and Chronicle readers to give them all the gift of magic during the holiday season that can make it happen.

The kids all need clothes, and want dolls, cars, coloring books, board games and action figures.

Sneakers, electronics and dinosaur toys also

pop up a lot in this week’s letters.

This week’s new contributors to whom we give our heartfelt thanks are Tom McCarthy, Karen Link, Marilyn Latorraca, Pat from Middle Village, Carmella Cerar, Vicki Zunitch, Nicole Gluck, Diane Rivello, Judy and Eric G., Louis Massari Sr., Susan Mrsich, Elaine Davidow, Doris Litt, Dolores Damm and Judy Barkoski.

The gifts will go to children in four city homeless shelters, the Kings Inn Family Center in East Elmhurst, the Boulevard Family Residence in Elmhurst, the Metro Family Residence in East Elmhurst and the Saratoga Family Inn in Springfield Gardens, as well as Dove House, an emergency shelter for battered women or men and their children in Eastern Queens. Some also will go to children in a shelter in Brooklyn; those will be distributed by staff at the school they attend.

Among the many other children whose requests to Santa need fulfilling are: • Amari plays with dinosaurs at daycare, and likes Daniel Tiger, Paw Patrol and remote control cars; • Justina, 9, would like some dolls and would love makeup and nail polish;

in Rego Park, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you can’t deliver them during regular office hours, you can leave them at Barosa Brick Oven Pizza, next door at 62-37.

A number of elected officials also let their offices be used as drop-off points. They are: • Councilman Daniel Dromm, at 37-32 75 St., 1st floor, in Jackson Heights; • Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, at 47-01 Queens Blvd. in Sunnyside; • Councilman Donovan Richards, at 23426A Merrick Blvd. in Laurelton; • Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (who collects for other drives as well as ours), at 213-33 39 Ave., suite 238 in Bayside; • State Sen. Leroy Comrie, at 113-43 Farmers Blvd. in St. Albans; Assemblyman Mike Miller, at 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd. in Woodhaven; and • state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., at both 159-53 102 St. in Howard Beach and 66-85 73 Place in Middle Village.

We have one new request, in the interests of hygiene: no stuffed animals, please.

We know you’ll come through as you always have, to provide some of our neediest young neighbors with more joy on the holidays than they otherwise might feel. You have our sincere thanks in advance, and if you have any questions, please call the Queens Chronicle office at Q (718) 205-8000.

• Jodiel, 5, would like a train, some Power Rangers and coloring books. And a piano; • Cory, 5, would like a remote control airplane or some Pokemon cards; • Marcus, who didn’t give Santa his age, would like sweaters and a Scrabble Jr. game; • Aubri, 4, would like a black Barbie doll, some skates and a baby carrier; • Brandon, also 4, is asking for a toy truck and a Blade Transformer; • Andre, 3, would like toys and a blanket and pillow featuring either Paw Patrol or Thomas the Tank Engine. He also could use some sleeper pajamas sized for 24 months, a Thermos with a straw, bubble soap, cars and a fire engine; • Ashley, 3 is asking Santa for a Melissa & Doug Learn-to-Play piano; • Amari would like clothes, Power Rangers and a bike. “And a helmet so I can ride safe”; • Anthony, 11, has asked for a hoverboard, motorcycle, cell phone and a motor scooter.

And “another job”; • Tyrelle would like a bunch of electronics and a bike, but also a toy dinosaur.

Black Barbies and other dolls, Pokemon cards and baby items were on several lists.

The toy and gift drive wraps up Dec. 22 so we can get your contributions to the children in time for Christmas.

New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Chronicle office, at 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd.

Happy Holidays!

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Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 40

C M SQ page 40 Y K

MILB-068518

MAKE A YEAR END DONATION

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FOR YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY Did you know that books at Queens Library are read by an average of 40 children? For every $25 donation, Queens Library can purchase a book that can inspire 40 children!

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Run-DMC hip-hop hero talks life and art before his Queens appearance

Continued page continued ononpage 44

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I K OF S C I M O C

efore hip-hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels was known for rapping about how to rock a rhyme or showing the world how to rock Adidas, comic books were his “first love.”

McDaniels, who rose to fame as a member of the illustrious hip-hop group Run-DMC, found solace in many superheroes growing up — and now he’s embracing that inspiration he found in his childhood with the start of the independent comic book line called Darryl Makes Comics. He’s also hoping to influence a new generation through the venture.

“I hope they walk away empowered and encouraged and to tap into the power of imagination and creativity,” McDaniels said in a phone interview with the Queens Chronicle.

The pop culture legend will be speaking on his venture in publishing comics as well as hip-hop history at the Queens Central Library on Dec. 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., an event that will also be livestreamed at the Queens Library at South Hollis, where attendees can also interact with him.

The event’s host is Ralph McDaniels, hip-hop coordinator at the Queens Library, who isn’t related to DMC, but did meet him through his popular show Video Music Box, a hip-hop video show that Ralph McDaniels created in 1983.

He mentioned that DMC always kept his own collection of comic books.

“Now he has his own,” he said.

The second volume of Darryl Makes Comics was released earlier this month, and DMC said the third is on its way.

“My confidence … and my performance and my presence all came from comic books,” McDaniels said.

Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

December 17, 2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 42

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G EXHIBITS “The World of Anomalisa,” screening and display of puppets and sets from Golden Globe-nominated film, part of the museum’s core exhibition. From Fri., Dec. 18 thru Mar. 27. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $3 kids 3-12. Info: movingimage.us.

“Catalyst,” new projects by Meredith James, Kameelah Janan Rasheed and Casey Tang. Looks at how personal and cultural forces form narratives.

Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Suggested $8 adults, $4 students, free under 12. Info: queensmuseum.org.

“Altered Appearances,” images that are not always what they appear to be. Thru Jan. 4. Fisher Landau Center for Art, 38-27 30 St., Long Island City. Free.

(718) 937-0727, flcart.org.

“Walkers: Hollywood Afterlives in Art and Artifact,” art exhibit explores Hollywood movies as contemporary artwork. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $3 kids 3-12. Info: movingimage.us.

MUSIC Yuletide baroque concert, by The Queens Consort, a new ensemble. Sat., Dec. 19, 7 p.m. St. Mark’s Church, 33-50 82 St., Jackson Heights. $15, $10 students. Info: queensconsort.com.

“Messiah,” plus holiday concert, with traditional favorites. Oratorio Society of Queens, Sun., Dec. 20, 4 p.m. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 22205 56 Ave., Bayside. $35, $30 seniors/students, $10 12-under. Info: (718) 279-3006, queensoratorio.org.

THEATRE

For the latest news visit qchron.com

“City Girls and Desperadoes,” set in the world way before ‘Just say No.’ Jan. 7-10, 13-17, 8 p.m. weekdays, 7 p.m. weekends with additional matinee Sun., Jan. 17, 2 p.m. $18. The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City. Info: secrettheatre.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS Santa Claus is coming to town, Sat., Dec. 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Flagship Diner, 138-30 Queens Blvd., Briarwood.

Las Posadas celebration, Latin American Cultural Center of Queens. Sat., Dec. 19, 2:30-4 p.m.

PS 13 Clement C. Moore School, 55-01 94 St., Corona. Re-enact the journey of Mary and Joseph through Bethlehem and hear the children sing.

Free/donations welcome. 2015 holiday party, Sun., Dec. 27, 2:30-5 p.m. El Paraiso Tropical, 102-11 42 Ave., Corona. Please donate unwrapped gifts for children. Info/RSVP for both events: (718) 261-7664, laccq@aol.com.

The Oratorio Society of Queens with its 125-plus member chorus will sing holiday favorites at QPAC on Sun., Dec. 20.

Maria Rose International House of Dolls open house for Christmas, now thru Dec. 26. Doll exhibits representing six continents of the world and Nativity exhibit. Wed.-Sat. 2-5 p.m. 187-11 Linden Blvd., St. Albans. Donation: $10 Adults and $5 children. Info/RSVP: (917) 817-8653, nuna321@msn.com.

Kwanzaa celebration, Sat., Dec. 26, 1-3 p.m. Laurelton Public Library, in partnership with Springfield Gardens Lions Club. Free, all are welcome. 134-26 225 St. Info: (718) 528-2822.

Richmond Hill Bingo. Every night (except Tues.), 6:30 p.m. Also every Wed., Thurs. and Sat., 11 a.m.

117-09 Hillside Ave. Great cash prizes daily. Must be 18 or over to play. Info: (718) 847-1418.

Saturday night dance, Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, Sat., Dec 19, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Call: (718) 478-3100.

KIDS/TEENS

Holiday open house, Queens County Farm Museum, Fri.-Sun., Dec. 26-28, 12-4 p.m. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. Free. Contact: (718) 3473276, ext. 304; queensfarm.org.

Play4Autism Martial Arts program by New Beginning Tae Kwon Doe, 64-64 Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village. Program every Sat., 12-1 p.m. $25. Info: (718) 894-7777, play4autism.org.

COMMUNITY

Boy Scouts Troop 383 invites 11- to 17-year-old boys to join. Mondays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., St. Pancras’ Pfeiffer Hall, 68 St. and Myrtle Ave., Glendale. Info: Sal, stpancrastroop383@gmail.com.

Discussion on ISIL and Israel by Queens Community for Cultural Judaism. Sat., Dec. 19, 1 p.m., Congregation of UUCQ, 147-54 Ash Ave. at 149 St., Flushing. Moderated by John Lightstone.

Refreshments and first-time guests free. Info: John (347) 561-9064.

Conservative Hebrew school, Howard Beach Judea Center, Sunday school for children 5-7 years; school twice weekly for children 8-13 to learn Hebrew and Jewish holidays. 162-05 90 St. Info: (718) 845-9443.

Rego Park Jewish Center Bingo, every Tues. in Dec., 97-30 Queens Blvd. Early game, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., regular games at 7:15 p.m., $4 includes 12 games. Cash prizes, everyone 18 and over. Info: (718) 459-1000.

Gym and creative exploration for disabled preschool children (ages 3-5) and their families, every Mon. and Wed., 3-4:30 p.m. Samuel Field Y, 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy, Little Neck. $5 per family. Info: Amanda, (718) 423-6111 ext. 242, ASmith@sfy.org.

“Tea and Torah.” Join Judith Rosenthal and friends at the Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing, every Mon., 2:30 p.m. No previous Torah knowledge necessary. Info: Judith (718) 464-7681, heyjude523@nyc.rr.com.

Free art classes, Latin American Cultural Center of Queens at ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35 St., Astoria. For ages 8-16, every Tues. and Thurs., 4:30-6 p.m. and Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. Info: (718) 261-7664, laccq@aol.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

CLASSES Watercolor classes, National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, Wed., 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Call: (718) 969-1128.

Poetry writing workshop group: Explore the craft of poetry writing, enrollment is free and open to all. Every Tues. 1:30-3 p.m., Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road.

Sponsored by Queens Community House. Info: (718) 268-5960, queenscommunityhouse.org.

MEETINGS AARP: Open to the public. Chapter 1405, Flushing, Bowne St. Community Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Ave., 1st and 3rd Mon. each month, 1 p.m; Chapter 2889, Maspeth, American Legion Hall, 66-28 Grand Ave., 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, noon; contact: (718) 672-9890. Chapter 4163, Ozone Park, Living Word Christian Fellowship Church, 132-05 Cross Bay Blvd., last Tues. each month, noon.

HOLIDAY FLEA MARKETS St. Nicholas of Tolentine, indoor holiday market, Sun., Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parsons Blvd. and Union Tpke.

Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens. Info: (347) 709-7661, richmondhillfleamarket.com.

St. Benedict the Moor Church, Merrick Blvd. at 110th Ave., Jamaica, every Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vendors welcome. Call: (718) 332-0026. continued on on page page 46 00 continued

Send theater, music, art or event items to What’s Happening via artslistingqchron@gmail.com

C M SQ page 43 Y K

by Mark Lord qboro contributor

Luca Padovan, left, points to a picture of himself from “School of Rock.” Robert Ariza PHOTOS BY MARK LORD makes his way through the Brooks Atkinson Theatre stage door. from all dif ferent par t s of my life,” including friends from the Holy Child Jesus Teen Drama Group in Richmond Hill, his hometown, where he got a lot of his early stage experience.

One of five children, Ariza said he was

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never exposed to theater while growing up and, in fact, set out to be a recording artist.

While in high school, he saw the original Broadway produc tion of “Spring Awakening,” recalling, “It was electrifying.” He dreamed of someday appearing

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Making the leap from community theater to Broadway is a dream that two young Queens residents have recently turned into a reality.

Robert Ariza, 25, made his debut on the Great White Way in October in the current revival of “Spring Awakening,” while Luca Padovan, at the age of 12, is already in his second Broadway show, “School of Rock.”

Ariza was cast in the show as a swing, an understudy of sorts, which has him covering no fewer than four different roles, including the male lead. So far, he’s gone on once, and it was an experience he will likely never forget.

“It was the single most remarkable night of my entire life,” he wrote on his Facebook page at the time. “If I had to die now, I would die at peace.”

During an interview last week at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where the show’s limited engagement ends Jan. 24, Ariza was still glowing.

“Being from New York,” he said, “I had over 150 people here in the audience,

in a production.

For the current rendition, he not only has to sing, dance and act, but he had to learn American Sign Language, which is incorporated into the production.

For someone who has “never ever met a deaf person,” the task was daunting, he admitted. He learned how to sign all four characters’ lines in a week and a half.

A lifelong Queens resident, Ariza said, “I love the diversity. It’s so cultural. I have so many memories there.” He still lives at home, but, he said, when he moves out, he will remain in the borough because “I love the vibe.”

Two years ago, Padovan was appearing as a Munchkin in a Bayside production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Shor tly after, he found himself playing a prominent role in Broadway’s “Newsies.”

In “School of Rock,” now at the Winter Garden Theatre, he’s one of a dozen mult it a lented young s ter s who s tea l hearts eight performances a week in the latest show from Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of “The Pha ntom of t he Opera” and “Cats.” continued continued on page 47 00

Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

Queens residents take the stage on Broadway

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 44

C M SQ page 44 Y K

Hip-hop legend DMC in Queens to talk comics continued from page page 00 41 continued from In fact, some of the lyrics from the group’s hit “King of Rock” allude to superheroes’ actions like “crash through walls, cut through floors, bust through ceilings and knock down doors.”

In the first graphic novel, DMC serves as a superhero, who is an English teacher by day, in an alternate universe in 1980s New York City. The comics also address issues like homophobia and domestic violence, he said, adding that the books are geared toward an audience young and old.

As a kid growing up in Hollis, he recalls screaming the first time he saw the Roosevelt Island tram when he was traveling across the 59th Street Bridge. That famous red aerial lift he had only seen previously in “Spider-Man” comics.

“I didn’t think it was real,” he said.

B e i ng r a i s e d i n w h at h e described as a good experience in a “suburban middle-class neighborhood,” DMC said the hard-

working elders “instilled some- progresses, they view more of thing” in him and other children. what “exists,” but aren’t having “I couldn’t do [anything] bad the realization they can be a part because my friend’s mom would of the creative process. tell on me,” he said.

“You’re running around stealing McDaniels also speaks with iPhones when you can be making students on his work, like those iPhones?” he said. “How? Go to at Queens College earlier this school.”

There is month. One also a very enrollee there element shared with Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels real to his preMcDaniels When: Dec. 22 , 4 to 5:30 p.m. s ent at i o ns, that after disWhere: Queens Central Library, he said, covering rap, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., where he he later found Jamaica wants to the group’s empha size holiday song Entry: Free; queenslibrary.org that emo“Christmas in tions are Hollis,” and OK, and said it changed his life. He also learned there are others with the same from the group’s rap that school feelings.

McDaniels, who has dealt with was cool.

“It’s easy for me to tell kids, ‘Go depression and a drinking problem to school,’”McDaniels said. “It’s — even suicidal thoughts — found cool if I’m hip-hop, and I have a hope in Sarah McLachlan’s song “Angel.” comic book.”

“I was at one of the lowest He said young folks see products of success, and as technology points in my life,” he said. “I got

the New Ye n i g ar Rin at

to a point where even being DMC wasn’t fun anymore.”

On a ride from JFK after coming off the road, the driver first set the radio to a hip-hop, R&B station, but McDaniels a sked him to change it because it was the “last thing” he wanted to hear.

Then, “just by chance,” the driver turned to a light music station, and McLachlan’s song played, a piece which DMC has credited with saving his life.

He was so moved that he listened to the song each day for the next year, until he later met her and told her, “You’re not an angel to me. You’re God.” On later finding out he was adopted — notably just like many superheroes — McDaniels reached out to her, and the two collaborated on a single called “Just Like Me,” using a sample of Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle.”

McLachlan then revealed that she too was adopted.

Now, in his novel pursuit, he reflected on the books’ impact in

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. On the cover, DMC at the 2014 New York PHOTO COURTESY DMC; Comic Con. COVER PHOTO BY LUIGI NOVI / WIKIMEDIA COMMN

the years to come.

“One hundred years from now when they talk about DC and Marvel ... right in the same conversation, they will mention the Q DMC universe,” he said.

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Cockroaches, flies, pigeon plumes and other unmentionables. If asphalt and concrete are the skin of this city, then the grime in its gutters is its blush, its mascara.

At least, that’s according to Stewart Uoo’s collage-like constructions, a part of the Greater New York 2015 exhibition at MoMA PS1 in Long Island C i t y. T h e mus e um s h ow reflects on an older New York through the work of artists who have been established here for some time.

This fourth quinquennial is a slight departure from previous programs, which focused mainly on young, emerging ar tists from the New York John Ahearn’s sculpture “Maria and Her Mother,” in PHOTO BY NEIL CHIRAGDIN area, though they are still the exhibit. included in this year’s display across a broad landscape of media. to capitalism, taking great pleasure in This juxtaposition of glam and grit placing singular sale items on quite literal have long been hallmarks of New York’s p e d e s t a l s . T h e r e s u l t i ng a r r ay o f aura, but in a city whose changing face tchotchkes is so dazzling it builds a case in recent years has met with lamenta- for an appreciation of a certain kind of tions against sanitization, has the voice consumer culture. of rebellion died out?

In its courtyard, PS1 has constructed a And is this what triggers the penchant geodesic dome, in which it hosts “Sunfor Old New York? day Sessions,” a series of ticketed events Across the street from the museum that feature panels and other live events itself, a monolithic high-rise forges on with artists. inevitably skyward.

At its Dec. 13 program, “it ain’t where As the press release that accompanied ya from, it’s where ya at; but not like Greater New York’s opening noted, “The that,” moderator Devin Kenny, an artist cit y it self is being and independent reshaped by a voracurator, led a discious real estate cussion about genmarket that poses trification and it s particular challenges effects on commuWhen: Through March 7 to local artists.” nity-building Where: MoMA PS1, At times, develamong young 22-25 Jackson Ave., LIC opment is itself the artists.

Entry: Suggested $10; $5 for centerpiece, a s in The young panelstudents and seniors Nick Relph’s distortists were creators of ed Cibachrome DIY club shows, prints of digital renpoets and organizderings of future condos —many lifted in ers of free art education spaces for resitheir graffiti-laden glory from the ply- dents of underserved neighborhoods. wood fences around their construction By any measure, they were part of the sites. vanguard of emergent art communities.

Stewart Uoo’s aforementioned collages And throughout the afternoon, a familiar also include decaying Hollister and Ver- storyline materialized — arts spaces were sace bags; and a striking mannequin of his hard to come by; venues and their landon another floor, “No Sex, No Cit y: lords tolerated their events only insofar Miranda III,” refers to a show now known as they continued to bring in money. for its bus tours and branding.

The V W Dome and “Sunday SesIn a separate room, New York shop sions” are sponsored by Volkswagen of Q Kiosk has constructed a labyrinthine altar America.

DANNY’S SZECHUAN GARDEN

Page 45 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

New York nostaglia explored in modern context

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 46

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SENIOR ACTIVITIES Howard Beach Senior Center, 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., across from Stop & Shop. “Healthy New Year Resolutions,” Tues., Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m. New craft class, every Fri., 10-11:30 a.m.

Art class with certified teacher, every Thurs., 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch served at 12 p.m. Info: (718) 738-8100.

Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. Sisterhood sponsors an exercise program for active older adults every Tues., 11 a.m.-noon. 193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows. $5 per session. Info: (718) 357-5100.

Maspeth Senior Center, 6961 Grand Ave. Free English classes for Chinese speakers, computer instruction, Silver Sneakers, tai chi, yoga and more; breakfast and lunch served. Info: (718) 429-3636.

Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc., SNAP, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Bldg. 4, CBU 29, Queens Village, eight-session group, Mon., 2:15 p.m. Contact: Marion (718) 454-2100.

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Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., is proud to offer the following programs, available to anyone 60+. Zumba for both beginners and continuing students, Tues., 9:30 a.m.; aerobics by Shape Up NYC, available to anyone 18+, Fridays at 11 a.m.; Dear Abby discussion group, Thurs., 11 a.m.; movie screenings, Wed., 1 p.m. Info: (718) 591-3377, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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SNAP of Eastern Queens Innovative Senior Center for adults 60+. 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village. Classes — Exercise every Mon.: advanced, 11 a.m.; beginners, 1 p.m.

Every Tues.: magic and ABC computer class, 10 a.m. Every Wed.: armchair yoga, 9 a.m.; Zumba gold, 10 a.m. Every Thurs.: creative writing, 11 a.m.; painting, 1 p.m. Every Fri.: fall prevention, 10 a.m.; women’s discussion group, 11 a.m.

Della Monica-Steinway Senior Center.

Serving adults 60 and over. 23-56 Broadway, Astoria. Exercise classes daily, 10 a.m. Social Dancing every Mon. and Thurs., 1 p.m. Daily lunch served 11:45 a.m. Info: (718) 626-1500.

The YIQV Senior Center, with tai chi, yoga, pilates and low-impact exercise and educational programs. Open Mon.-Fri., 141-55 77 Ave., Flushing. Info: (718) 263-6995.

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SUPPORT GROUPS Bereavement groups for assistance in dealing with loss and the process towards healing, while meeting others experiencing similar situations.

Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Call: (718) 268-5011, ext. 160, or email olderadults@cgy.org; registration required.

Overeaters Anonymous meets weekly for weight loss and other issues. Info: oa.org.

Long Island Consultation Center, 97-29 64 Road, Rego Park, Sun., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call: (718) 937-0163. Rego Park Library, 91-41 63 Drive, Thurs., 12:15-1:40 p.m. Call: (718) 459-5140. Holy Child Jesus Outreach Center, 112-06 86 Ave., Richmond Hill, Tues., 7:30-9 p.m. Call: (718) 564-7027.

Caregiver support groups, Queens Community House, 108-25 62 Drive, Forest Hills & Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road. Do you provide help to a family member, friend or neighbor? Could you use some help yourself? Forest Hills groups meet Mon. and Wed. evenings and Tues. afternoons twice per month.

Contact: Ilana Wexler, (718) 268-5960, ext. 226.

Forest Hills Russian-speaking group meets Tues. afternoons once per month. Contact: Larisa Raziyeva (718) 592-5757 ext. 247.

Anxious, nervous, depressed? Recovery International can help. Meetings every Thurs., 2:30 p.m., Fri., 3:30 p.m. Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave. Info: recoveryinternational.org.

GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing): Find peer-lead grief support for those who have lost a loved one to substance abuse. Meetings held once a month. Info on date, times and location: nycmetrograsp@gmail.com.

Gam-Anon is a 12-step program for families of someone with a gambling problem. Call hot line (212) 606-8177.

Contemplating suicide? The Samaritans provide 24-hour confidential emotional support for those feeling suicidal or depressed. Call: (212) 6733000; samaritansnyc.org.

Job placement assistance, ANIBIC, 61-35 220 St., Bayside, a nonprofit organization serving children and young disabled adults in the community with job, apartment placement.

PTSD for veterans and service members: Reach out to a anonymous support group in your area. Info: 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults, 92-47 165 St., Jamaica, details its safety program about rent, Medicaid and food stamps.

Call (718) 657-6500 for appointment. Free.

Alcoholics Anonymous, daily meetings around Queens for those with a drinking problem. Info: (718) 520-5021, queensaa.org.

Rego Park Senior Center, free benefits application assistance for older Queens adults, Lost Battalion Hall, 93-29 Queens Blvd. Tues., Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. LiveOn NY Specialists available to provide information and help with paperwork for SCRIE, SNAP, HEAP and more.

Info: (347) 815-5930, benefits@liveon-ny.org.

Al-anon, self-help group for anyone affected by another’s drinking: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 82 St. and 34 Ave., Parish house, 1st floor, Jackson Heights, every Tues. Contact: jacksonheightsalanonon@gmail.com. Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center basement, 85-18 61 Road, Rego Park, every Sun. 12 p.m.

SQ page 47

Qns. on Broadway

ACROSS

continued from page page 00 43 continued from

1 Information, informally 5 Genie’s home 9 Commercials 12 “Once - a time ...”

13 Sheltered 14 Once around the track 15 Helen Reddy hit 17 Sch. org.

18 Charlie Brown’s dog 19 Fire residue 21 Yours truly 22 Accordion rendition, often 24 Amorphous mass 27 Lingerie item 28 Concept 31 Edge 32 Decay 33 Have 34 Newspaper pg.

36 Fool 37 On in years 38 Euphoric 40 Hosp. staffer 41 Memorable mission 43 Oriental temple 47 Oft-tattooed word 48 “Chicago” Oscar winner 51 Eggs 52 History chapters 53 Hold sway 54 Barbie’s companion 55 Adjoining 56 Largest of the seven

For Padovan, a typical day begins with several hours of schooling, which he shares with fellow cast members. This is followed by rehearsals that will continue until the end of the year (though the show has already opened to rave notices). After a dinner break, it’s show time.

On stage almost constantly during the show, Padovan said he and the other young performers spend their little down time “waiting backstage on the stairs,” engaged in various pastimes. His choice is reading comic books.

Padovan plays Billy, a stylist for the rock band formed during the show. “He likes glitter and glam and wants everyone to wear rhinestones,” Padovan said. He compares himself to his character by saying, “We both have a good sense of style.”

It was a role that Padovan said the show’s creative team allowed him to explore. “They made all the kids write back stories for their characters,” he said.

One of the benefits of being in the show for Padovan was that he got to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“It was amazing,” he said. “Every year my family and I were on the couch watching.” This year was his first in the city for the parade. “We had to wake up at 5 a.m.,

DOWN 1 Clothing 2 Admitting clients 3 Horse-play?

4 Bury 5 “My Fair -” 6 Carte lead-in 7 Kitten’s comment 8 Punishment-related 9 Pack leader, maybe 10 Appointment 11 Resorts 16 Gorilla

20 Take to the slopes 22 Commonplace 23 Feedbag fill 24 Bud 25 Back talk 26 1971 Heston film, with “The” 27 Actor Pitt 29 Ram’s mate 30 In addition 35 Poorly lit 37 Goat hair made into wool

39 Twelve 40 British rule in India 41 Uncontrolled 42 Lyricist’s subject, often 43 History 44 Responsibility 45 Sandwich shop 46 On the briny 49 Before 50 Wage earner’s payment

Answers at right

but it was worth it,” he said.

“Opening night was a lot of fun. I had no idea what it would be like,” Padovan said. “I couldn’t see my table in the dressing room; it was covered in gifts from the cast and crew.”

Padovan would absolutely like to pursue a career in the theater. And his parents stand behind him. “It’s a team effort,” his father, Bert, said. “As long as he has fun, we’ll continue.”

Who knows? The next time you go to a Broadway show, you just might see one of Q your neighbors center stage!

Crossword Answers

Page 47 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

King Crossword Puzzle

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SQ page 49

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Page 49 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

MY WAY CONSTRUCTION

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 50

SQ page 50

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

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Legal Notices Notice of Formation of TRAIN WITH MD, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/03/15. Office location: Queens County.

Princ. office of LLC: 5-31 49th Ave., Queens, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WMXF, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/16/2015.

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be serviced and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: Michael X. Tang, Esq., 39-01 MAIN ST., STE 203, FLUSHING, NY 11354.

Principal business address: 136-17 39th Avenue, Suite 322, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful act.

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new cabinets & tiled fls, 3 lg BR, 2 1/2 baths, 2 walk-in closets, 2 car gar, top terr. Reduced $699K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136

Woodhaven, 2 family brick, 2/4 BR, 2 baths, full bsmnt, yard, new heat & hot water heater. Asking $525K. Connexion I RE, 718-641-6800

Houses For Sale Wakefield/Ozone Park, all brick Colonial, 4 BR 2 1/2 baths. 1 BR on 1st level w/lg LR, DR, 1 bath.

2nd fl has 3 BR, 1 bath. Fin bsmnt w/ 1/2 bath. Pvt dvwy, 1 car gar, 30x100 lot. Asking $549K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136

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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 212306-7500.

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

Houses For Sale

Apts. For Rent

Prayers

Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and who shows me the way to reach my ideals, you who gives me the Divine gift to forgive and forget all that is done to me, and you who are in all instincts of my life with me, I in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires maybe. I want to be with you and my loved ones in their perpetual glory. To that end and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you… etc. (your request).

Real Estate

Page 51 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

RE AL E ESTATE STATE

CL AS SIFIEDS To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 52

SQ page 52

Meeks vs. Sanders raising eyebrows Both pols have investigations in their backgrounds before ’16 clash

by Michael Gannon Editor

Michael Krasner, a political science professor at Queens College for more than 40 years, is more than a casual observer of the New York City political scene.

But even he was a bit surprised earlier this month when state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) filed the paperwork in preparation to challenge Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) in what would be a Democratic primary for the Fifth Congressional District in June.

“Maybe he feels Meeks is vulnerable because of his ethical issues or recent health issues,” Krasner said, joking “Maybe Sanders is unhappy in Albany. I can hardly see why, as the Senate is such an honorable body.”

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said his only thought was that “they both have had ethics issues.” But Meeks, 62, has been under higher-profile scrutiny that his challenger.

He and now-imprisoned former state Sen. Malcolm Smith were leaders in the New Direction Local Development Corp., which had an arm that was said to be raising money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Just how much of the money they raised went to hurricane victims was the subject of speculation and in investigation back in 2010.

Meeks also once received $40,000 from Edul Ahmed, a longtime owner of Ahmed Realty on Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park.

A 2016 race for the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District between State Sen. James Sanders Jr, left, and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks would pit candidates with investigations in FILE PHOTOS their backgrounds against each other.

When the transaction was uncovered, Meeks called it a loan, though he had not disclosed it on his financial disclosure forms in either 2007 or 2008. The House Ethics Committee cleared Meeks of any wrongdoing. But Ahmed pleaded guilty to fraud 2012, and also was involved with former state Senate Majority Leader John Sampson. Sampson was convicted on federal charges back in July with

Ahmed testifying for the government.

Sanders’ former City Council chief of staff received a reprimand from the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board in 2012 when it was revealed that a nonprofit he ran had taken government funding while employed by Sanders’ office.

The New York Post last week also reported that the FBI is investigating nearly $3 million in funds that Sanders secured for organiza-

tions in his district when in the Council.

This would not be the first time that Sanders has taken on an incumbent with a checkered ethical past — he defeated state Sen. Shirley Huntley in a Democratic primary in 2012, shortly after Huntley was arrested on charges that would send her to prison for nearly a year. But Krasner said taking on Meeks for a congressional seat is different.

“When you’ve been investigated for unsavory activities I think it’s hard to run as Mr. Clean against someone who has issues of their own,” Krasner said. “But there has been no conviction here.” He said N Y-5’s oveswhelmingly Democratic registration also is a bad indicator for Sanders or any other challenger.

“In general, it’s tough to beat an incumbent for re-election in any congressional district.

But when you look at incumbents from single-party districts, look at the number who are defeated — it’s just tiny.”

Then there is the county Democratic establishment, which can lavish money and ground troops. The Post is reporting that the party will back Meeks. And Krasner said Meeks probably can count on the biggest ace in the 5th District deck — the Rev. Floyd Flake, whom he succeeded in Congress 17 years ago.

“If Flake remains allied with Meeks, that swings a lot of weight in that district,” Krasner said. “[Sanders’] chances would be slim Q unless something happens.”

Captain calls for new massage parlor laws Legislative help is needed if blitz is to ultimately be successful: Wachter

by Christopher Barca

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The top cop at the 104th Precinct has been moonlighting in recent weeks as an advocate for smarter massage parlor protocol.

Capt. Mark Wachter, the commanding officer of the Ridgewoodbased command, is sick and tired of illegal massage parlors skirting the law within his jurisdiction and said Tuesday he plans to meet with city and state elected officials in the next few weeks to advocate for legislation that would make it harder for such venues to reopen after being shut down by police.

“I need help, I need legislative help. I need the laws to be changed,” Wachter said at the 104th Precinct Community Council’s meeting in Maspeth. “I want them to draft a law in the City Council or upstate saying that we can go in there and inspect these facilities and if you don’t have the proper permits, you have to close down.

Once you get your proper permits, you can open again.”

The issue of illegal massage par-

lors being shut down, only to reopen days later at a new location down the street has bothered southwest Queens residents for years, with Wachter ramping up efforts to combat the issue in recent months.

A handful of establishments that either operate without proper licensing or offer illegal sexual services have closed over the course of the fall, with two more shutting their doors this month, Wachter said Tuesday.

However, the captain said the simplicity of reopening was on display recently when it comes to Dream Spa at 65-18 Myrtle Ave. in Ridgewood.

The parlor originally shuttered in early November after Wachter stationed an officer outside the illegal establishment, scaring away its clientele before closing it with a court order.

But weeks later, the owner of the venue successfully petitioned a judge to allow Dream Spa to reopen, with the man saying any illegal activity occurred before he bought the business months earlier.

Its grand reopening was short lived, however, as Wachter himself discovered illegal activity at the establishment one day later.

“They reopened the place so myself and Officer [Charles] Sadler went there the next day and sure enough, there’s illegal conduct happening there the next day under the new owners,” Wachter said. “So we make an arrest that night.”

Dream Spa has since closed permanently.

When it comes to crime, the 104th Precinct is down 11 percent this year compared to 2014, a total of 146 index crimes — which include mu rder, rape, felony assault, burglary, robbery, grand larceny and stolen car.

“That’s 146 less victims of serious crimes,” Wachter said.

Crime is down in each of the seven major categories as well, according to the captain, despite a recent uptick in catalytic converter thefts and the stealing of wallets and purses from unsuspecting victims in area laundromats.

With the holidays around the

Capt. Mark Wachter, commanding officer of the 104th Precinct, said Tuesday he has scheduled meetings with state and city elected officials to discuss legislation that would make it harder for illegal massage parlors to PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA reopen after being shut down by the police. corner, Wachter also announced the precinct will host an open house on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., where families from across the area are invited to meet the officers of the command, meet Santa Claus, enjoy a petting zoo and play

children’s games.

The next meeting of the 104th Precinct Com mu nit y Cou ncil won’t be until Feb. 17, and a representative from the FBI is scheduled to spea k at the g roup’s Q March meeting.

C M SQ page 53 Y K

20 Month CD

1.25 % 1.50

%

APY*

Page 53 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

SPECIAL

Minimum opening deposit is $500

30 Month CD

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Free bereavement support services for adults who have had a loss (Loved one is not required to have had hospice care) Contact our Bereavement Department at 347.226.4823 HOSP-065269

RIDS-068436

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 54

C M SQ page 54 Y K

SPORTS

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Morris Park, a lost depot

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Morris Park is one of the lost communities of Queens. Situated between Richmond Hill to the north and South Ozone Park to the south, it once had its own station on the Long Island Rail Road.

The original station, built in 1878 at 124th Street was called “Morris Grove.” The name was changed to Morris Park in LIRR Car No. 320 being photographed on a “fan trip” to the 1886 when the railroad Morris Park LIRR Yard at Atlantic Avenue and 121st Street in built a new station at July 1949.

120th Street and Atlantic Today the Morris Park Shops, originally Avenue adjacent to a park it owned with the built in 1889, still have the LIRR’s only same name.

In 1939, when it was announced the operating turntable for spinning engines LIRR was being buried beneath Atlantic around that is still operable. Oyster Bay, Avenue, the station was closed and the Riverhead and Greenport have turntables name dropped. However, the Morris Park that exist only as historical artifacts.

But the practice of letting rail buffs into LIRR Shops nearby lived on. They were a favorite attraction of railroad buffs when the working repair shops at Morris Park has Q been discontinued. they conducted on-site “fan trips.”

BEAT

Cuddyer retires

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

Mets outfielder Michael Cuddyer surprised everyone, especially Mets management, when he decided to call it a career at age 37 after 15 years in the majors.

Cuddyer came over to the Mets last winter as a free agent from the Colorado Rockies. Age and injuries conspired to rob him of his chance to show Mets fans what made him a formidable hitter for most of his career. The understandable reaction from the media and nearly every fan of the Amazin’s at his departure was joyful. That wasn’t necessarily a slap at Michael as much as the feeling that the penurious Mets would now have the financial ability to sign a primo free agent slugger such as Justin Upton or Yoenis Cespedes, whom the Mets had as a three-month rental last season. But it probably won’t happen.

The term “team leader” is overused in sports, but in Cuddyer’s case it was very appropriate this past season. When Mets Captain David Wright missed nearly all of the 2015 regular season battling spinal stenosis, Michael and Curtis Granderson became the go-to guys for the media when a quote was needed after either an exhilarating win or a painful loss.

In a time when all too many ballplayers try to hide from the press, or make it abundantly clear that they don’t want to be approached for even a quick query, Cuddyer was always conge-

nial. He always had a welcoming smile.

His leadership abilities truly came through during the postseason. When Major League Baseball PR officials needed a Mets player to talk to the media during the playoffs and World Series, it was Cuddyer who answered the call.

He projected confidence and reassurance about the Mets’ chances via the media. With the Mets trailing the Royals 3 games to 1 and facing the end, I humorously asked Michael before Game 5 of the World Series if the players were blasting the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” over the clubhouse stereo. “No one is panicking and everyone is loose,” he replied. The Mets lost that night but it was because the Royals were a better team, not because the Mets were uptight.

After missing out on signing Ben Zobrist, the Mets landed a quality second baseman last week, obtaining Neil Walker from the Pirates in exchange for longtime Mets pitcher Jon Niese.

Walker grew up in Pittsburgh and lived in his old room at his parents’ house during his first couple years with the Pirates. Yes, big league players make good money from day one, but there is always the risk they will be sent down to the minors. That means breaking leases and having to move items from place to place. Mets pitcher Steven Matz, who is from Long Island, did the same thing last season. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Happy Holidays To All Our Friends!

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

www.howardbeachrealty.com

Howard Beach Realty, Inc.

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Thomas J. LaVecchia,

137-05 Cross Bay Blvd

69-39 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY 11385

Broker/Owner 718-641-6800

Ozone Park, NY 11417

A True Professional Selling Homes in the Area for 40 Years

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Thinking About Selling Your Home? Give Us a Call for a

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• Rockwood Park • Howard Beach. 1 Family Cape4 BRs, 3 baths, LR, DR, kitchen, needs TLC but a great starter home priced to sell! Private driveway, 1.5 car garage, hardwood floors, semifinished basement, Taxes-$2030.

Howard Beach. Custom-built Mother/Daughter Hi-Ranch. New Construction! FEMA approved.

No flood insurance required. Master bath has radiant heated floors, hook-up for washer/dryer & central VAC on 2 levels. 1st floor offers entertainment room, study & den, full bath, utility room & sliders to yard. 2nd floor features foyer entrance, LR, FDR, kit, breakfast room, full bath, 2 BRs & utility room. 3rd floor has master bedroom suite, full bath, walk-in closet & deck. YPPLRP

• Hamilton Beach • 1 Family Ranch - just the shellcompletely gutted from Sandy, sold with additional lots across the street of 20x80 which can be used for parking, boat storage etc. N6QK8S

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK Hi-Ranch. Oversized 50x100 lot, JUST LISTED, 10 rms, 4 BRs, 3 baths, large EIK, FDR, new heating & HW, oversized rooms & plenty of closets.

CALL NOW!

WOODHAVEN 2 Family. Brick, 2/4 bedrooms, 2 baths, full bsmnt, yard, new heat & hot water heater

ASKING $525K

OZONE PARK Wakefield 1 Family. 7 rooms, 4 BRs, 3 baths, garage, pvt. dvwy, 40x100 lot, full fin. bsmnt. CALL NOW!

HOWARD BEACH REALTY has teamed up with other local businesses for our ANNUAL TOY DRIVE All gifts donated must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. •Rockaway Park• Move-in ready. 1 BR Co-op on the beach.

Eff kit, LR/DR combo, full bath, HW floors thru-out, lots of closets, pet-friendly building, laundry room, super on premises, bike & storage room, wait-list for parking, 20% down payment. DNBY3V

• Brooklyn • 3 Family Townhouse. 9 BRs, 6 baths, Built in 2007. Sprinklers thru-out hallways, combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector hardwired, each f loor has separate heating system. 3 boilers, 3 hot water meters. R35BHL

• Rockwood Park • Howard Beach. 1 Family Hi-Ranch, 3 BRs, 3 baths, EIK, family room with OSE, Brazilian hardwood floors, granite countertops, new hot water heater, furnace,up dated electric, enclosed porch, private driveway. CDPLPQ

©2015 M1P • HBRE-068504

©2015 M1P • CAMI-068421

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• Rockwood Park •

Here is a list of all locations if you are interested in DONATING: A&J Stitching

Howard Beach Realty

Woodhaven Soccer Club

If you have any questions, please call us at 718-845-4653

Gold's Gym

C M SQ page 55 Y K WAKEFIELD OZONE PARK

REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC.

LARGE ALL BRICK DETACHED COLONIAL

Get Your House

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach (Brother’s Shopping Ctr.) OPEN 7 DAYS! SOLD!

718-845-1136

ARLENE PACCHIANO

LAJJA P. MARFATIA

Broker/Owner

Broker/Owner

4 BRs, 2.5 baths, 1 BR on first level with large living room, dining room, 1 bath, 2nd floor has 3 BRs & 1 bath. Finished bsmnt. with ½ bath & pvt. dvwy., 1 car gar. 30x100

www.ConnexionRealEstate.com

Asking $549K

FREE MARKET APPRAISALS! HOWARD BEACH Custom 50x100 Colonial.

4 BRs, 3 f/baths, granite kit. with Thermador stove & hood, sub-zero fridge, Jacuzzi bath, balcony, fireplace in fam. room, 1.5 car gar. A spectacular home!

Reduced $939K PERFEC T FOR DENTIST OR DOC TOR !

LD SO HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD Large corner 2-Family, 6 BRs, 3 full baths, 2 halfbaths, full fin. bsmnt, move-in condition. $725K

CO IN

T

OUR EXCLUSIVE

Greentree townhouse mint condo (2nd floor), large 3BRs/2 Baths, 2 terraces front & back.

Reduced

$309K

Det. Colonial, 3 BRs, 1½ Baths, Great Block on the old-side. Potential 4th BR, Full Bsmnt w/½ Bath.

Asking $425K

HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD Unique Dentist Office for sale in prestigious Heritage Condo Building! Sale includes: Condo as well as all equipment and supplies.

Ground floor office with separate entrance to the left of the main lobby. Featuring a waiting area - front desk & file area. 4 Operatories with X-ray & nitrous lab, private office & 2 half baths.

Common charges $709.

HOWARD BEACH/LINDENWOOD Lg. legal 2 family Condo Townhouse, 3 BRs, 1½ baths duplex, top flr with large deck, updated kit new appli, also lg. 2 BR, 1 bath duplex, new kit & updated bath on 2nd flr, plus walk-in unit - all new w/porcelain tiles throughout & sliding glass drs to pvt yard, pvt dvwy, 1 car gar, new boiler & hot water heater. A SKING $649K

D RE

UC

ED

AC

CONR-068417

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Large Brookfield, all stucco, beautifully landscaped, open floor $690K plan, 4 BRs, 3 baths.

HOWARD BEACH OLD SIDE Cape on 60x100 lot, 3 BRs, 2 Baths, Fin. Bsmnt. In Contract in 8 Days!

A 40 x 100 gated lot.

Not cleared.

Owner will clear when a contract is signed

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Reduced. Unique large Colonial on oversized 40x127 corner lot. New kitchen with granite countertops, new cabinets & tiled floors, 3 large BRs, 2.5 Baths, 2 walk-in closets, 2-Car Garage, with rooftop terrace.

• Hi-Rise 1 BR/1 bath, (needs complete renovation) ..$70K • Hi-Rise 2 BR/1 bath, updated kit. ...........$154,500 • Real 3 BR/1 bath, deluxe garden co-op Asking $195K • Mint AAA 2 BRs/1 bath, Garden co-op, 1st flr, open kit floor plan (move-in) ... $199K - SOLD!

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Condos

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK All up-dated Brick/Stucco split level on 40X100, paved driveway for 2 cars, Large 3 BRs, 2 f/baths. Large den with sliding doors accessing rear tiled patio. Only $719K

T

LD SO

Brooklyn 337 Amber Street

LD O S HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Mint Hi-Ranch on 41x100 lot, 4 BRs, 2 Baths.

LD SO

IN CONTRACT IN

7 DAYS

• Greentree Condo, 2nd floor, 3 BRs, 2 baths, 2 terraces Mint ........................... $309K • Hi-Rise Condo Northgate Building Large 1 BR Condo, 5 Closets ....................................$184K

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood

• Apartment For Rent: Mint 3 BR, 1½ bath duplex, ELMHURST lg deck off DR & LR, 3-Family detached. Close to Roosevelt Ave. new kit & bath, gar, train. Garage. Great income. Large rooms.

Asking $1.299 mil pvt dvwy ............$2,200/mo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

IN

TR

BUILDER’S DELIGHT!

Lindenwood Co-ops

RIDGEWOOD

N CO

(143 Broadway) LAND

REDUCED $209K

Reduced $699K

Large 1 BR Condo in Hi-Rise building, closets galore, laundry on premises, L-shaped Living REDUCED $184K Rm., Dining Rm.

HOWARD BEACH

Asking $129K

Asking $799K

HOWARD BEACH HI-RISE CONDO

$3,900 per month

Large waterfront property (69x155) 4 lots altogether.

Located on Canal.

Colonial (New Construction) 3/4 BR’s, 2.5 baths, finished attic, pvt. dvwy., deck, large yard, bsmnt will be Sheetrocked, in-ground sprinklers, new PVC fencing, stainless steel appliances.

Great Location, in the heart of Ridgewood, walk to Fresh Pond Road train, brick S/D, 2 family, 6 over 5, renovated throughout, full finished basement.

STORE FOR RENT Crossbay Blvd. (off Liberty Ave.) 1,200 sq. ft. store & basement, heat & taxes included

HOWARD BEACH OLD SIDE

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD

HOWARD BEACH

Large Hi-Ranch on oversized 45x100 lot – featuring 4 BRs/3 full baths, w/updated kitchens & baths. Park-like backyard with screened porch. $750K

AC

WELL MAINTAINED

Asking $350K

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK

R NT

Page 55 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015

Connexion I

For the latest news visit qchron.com QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 17, 2015 Page 56

C M SQ page 56 Y K

Recently Closed Commercial & Residential Properties

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