Queens Chronicle South Edition 12-23-21

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIV

NO. 51

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

QCHRON.COM

FLURRY OF GIFTS TESTING NEEDS City responds to surge in cases

PAGES 6, 8 AND 12

CONTEST IS LIT HB Dads decorating contest is back

IT’S ABOUT TIME! Where to say ‘good riddance’ to 2021 in Queens

SEE qboro, PAGE 27

PHOTO BY DANIEL HILL

PAGE 16

Hundreds of kids served in Ozone Park giveaway PAGE 20 About 400 children in need enjoyed some holiday cheer thanks to the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol giveaway last Saturday at Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services. Community members and partners made the festivities possible.

QUEENS’ LARGEST WEEKLY COMMUNIT Y NEWSPAPER GROUP

MTA introduces new reduced fare pilot

Price caps on OMNY pass, discounts for LIRR, Metro-North on eTix app

by Naeisha Rose

MTA acting chair and CEO, said in a statement.

Another offering available after o push the new OMNY payment system and entice March 1 are 20-trip tickets via eTix, a straphangers to use transit, web-based ticketing service on the the MTA has introduced a new fare- LIRR and Metro-North to appeal to capping pilot that will reduce fares riders with flexible work schedules.

They are cheaper than monthly tickinstead of going through with an ets and would receive an additional increase it had intended for the end 10 percent discount on top of the panof 2021.

The MTA committed to keep fares demic reduction of 48 to 61 percent, off peak for all Long Island Rail according to the transit agency. The Road and Metro-North trains through $5 weekend flat fare City Ticket will Feb. 28, 2022, according to the agen- be extended to off-peak trains on cy. Taking effect March 1, 2022, sub- weekends, providing a 31 percent way, bus and Staten Island Railway price reduction on Metro-North and a customers will be charged $2.75 per 35 percent reduction on the LIRR. Transit fare reductions on comride for their first 12 trips starting muter rail have been a goal of Counevery Monday. Further trips through the following Sunday would be free cilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) since he started spearheadof charge through OMNY (a tap-andgo contactless fare system) or cus- ing an expansion to the Atlantic tomers will only pay $33 per week, Ticket, which offers a flat $5 fare which is comparative to a seven-day from Southeast Queens LIRR staunlimited MetroCard. Transfers tions to Brooklyn’s Atlantic Termibetween the bus and subway will nal. From its implementation in 2018 to June 2021, the Queens-toremain and be considered a single Brooklyn ride has sold over 2 miltrip toward the 12 journey threshold.

“We’re leaving the basic fare alone lion tickets. At least $17.5 million in for now and rolling out a slate of new revenue was generated from inception until the end of October, pilot fare promotions,” Janno Lieber,

T

Associate Editor

DISTRIBUTOR

The MTA has introduced a new reduced fare structure pilot that will take effect March 1, 2022. FILE PHOTO according to the MTA. “Today’s announcement is a good first step in finally advancing transit equity for all New Yorkers — especially those currently priced out from the LIRR and Metro-North fares.

Since we began our efforts to address transit deserts in 2014, we’ve made

incredible progress and changed the conversation citywide on what transit equity looks like for black and brown New Yorkers,” said Miller in a statement. “It’s especially rewarding to be able to inform my constituents, who have heavily utilized Atlantic Ticket, that they are now able to get any-

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where in the City for that flat $5 fare through February during peak times, and off-peak after that.”

A Bloomberg CityLab report in 2019 found that straphangers estimated they saved approximately 30 minutes on their commute.

Census data analyzed by Transit Center, a foundation that works to improve public transportation throughout the U.S., found that two-thirds of 40,400 Manhattan workers lived within a half-mile of LIRR stations in Eastern Queens, but took a longer subway pathway because it was cheaper.

Charlton D’Souza, president of Passengers United, a transit advocacy group, believes that the flat fare for Queens residents should be lowered to $3.75 and that a weekly combined freedom unlimited commuter rail and OMNY pass should be $45 to be affordable for retail and healthcare workers.

“The members of Passengers United feel that all LIRR discounts being proposed during off peak hours are still too expensive with the cost of inflation growing,” said D’Souza, of continued on page 12

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 2

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HB Hope brings the cheer to Cross Bay Women behind the nonprofit add more lights plus music to the blvd.

Howard Beach Hope put on its biggest holiday light display yet on Cross Bay Boulevard, left, since it started in 2019. Last week, the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach presented the group with a donaPHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF tion. Above are Kiwanis board member Steve Sirgiovanni, left, Vice President Charles Butera, HB Hope’s Doreen DeCandia and Kiwanis board member Joe DeMarco.

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Doreen DeCandia said she got the idea to add music to the revamped holiday light display on Cross Bay Boulevard from a Hallmark Channel movie.

That is exactly the feeling when driving down the thoroughfare as holiday tunes like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” pump through speakers on the southbound side of the road.

This year’s display is the biggest yet from the group Howard Beach Hope, DeCandia’s brainchild, which was formed to bring the holiday spirit to the boulevard.

DeCandia came together with Mary Griffith and Kelly Sinisgalli thanks to their fundraising efforts at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy,

which has since closed. In 2019, they brought the lights to Cross Bay as part of their Our Lady of Grace fundraising. Before that, the boulevard had not seen lights in more than 10 years.

Then, the Catholic school closed and the Covid pandemic hit and they were hesitant to ask for donations from businesses that were struggling, DeCandia said. Yet, they were still able to bring a few lights to the neighborhood.

This year, they decided it was time to go all out.

“We said, ‘You know what, this is it, this year we have to do it right,’” said DeCandia. So, they decked every block of Cross Bay from 156th to 165th avenues with two rows of three layers of draped LED lights adorned with snowflakes and bells, thanks to the company New York Christmas. They also received assistance from Angela Provvisiero.

“We wanted to build upon what we’ve done and add another touch to the festivities on Cross Bay and the feeling of the season,” Griffith said of the addition of music.

“Especially during this time of Covid, we felt that there was just so much darkness and so much despair so we really wanted to be a source of light and we wanted to bring some cheer,” she said.

And the community got behind Howard Beach Hope, too. The Queens Chamber of Commerce along with Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) gave a “generous” grant, DeCandia said, and the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach presented the group with a check at its meeting last Thursday.

Businesses and families from around the neighborhood donated as well, said DeCandia, even businesses not directly on Cross Bay.

Signs thanking all the donors hang on a fence on the boulevard.

The decorations and music have brought love and laughter to the area, said DeCandia.

“I believe it has also brought business to our restaurants,” she added, noting that people can enjoy a slice of pizza at Gino’s or Bruno with the holiday tunes in the background.

Once fundraising events are safe to return to, the women plan for Howard Beach Hope to continue other beautification efforts throughout the community and expand with scholarship programs, helping those in need and more.

“We all love the community in which we live and we want to give back to the community,” said Griffith. “I have three young children and I want them to know that it is important to have service within your life and if that’s helping in Q your community, that’s fantastic.”

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‘The best is yet to come,’ says Ulrich

What is next for the outgoing CM after serving 12 years in City Hall

by Deirdre Bardolf Associate Editor

Borough President Donovan Richards recently asked Councilman Eric Ulrich’s (R-Ozone Park) daughter, Lily, what she wanted to be when she grows up and without batting an eyelash she responded, “I want to be the mayor.”

One could maybe expect that answer from a 9-year-old who has only known her dad to be part of the City Council.

Ulrich was elected in a special election in February 2009, just a week after he turned 24, making him the youngest Republican on the Council and the youngest member ever from Queens.

“It helped me do a better job, but the job

helped me be a better person,” Ulrich told the Chronicle this week.

He served 12 and a half years due to a term-limit extension granted during the Bloomberg administration. In fact, he was on the Council when many high-level officials who have since moved on to other roles were on the Council, as well, he noted, including Mayor de Blasio, District Attorney Melinda Katz, Attorney General Letitia James and state Sen. John Liu. “I served with both Vallones, Peter and Paul, both Weprins, David and Mark,” Ulrich said. “Because of my personal relationships with some of these other folks that moved up or moved on to higher office, I was able to use that for the benefit of my

constituents ... I never let party differences get in the way.”

Throughout his tenure, he said, he delivered more than a hundred million dollars in capital funding to his district.

“Politics is like making sausages,” he said. “It looks great on the plate at the diner and it tastes great when you eat it, but boy, you don’t want to see how it’s made.”

He said the legislation he is proudest of is the bill he introduced that established the city Department of Veterans Services. continued on page 16

City Councilman Eric Ulrich last week at Jamaica Bay as part of his ongoing cleanup PHOTO BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF efforts there.

C M SQ page 5 Y K

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 6

C M SQ page 6 Y K

Pols demand increased Covid response

As Omicron spreads, electeds and others want more testing

by Deirdre Bardolf associate editor

Queens leaders are calling on the city and state to ramp up testing in the borough and they slammed the city for closing down sites ahead of the Covid-19 Omicron variant touching down.

“We have seen too many sites nearly closed over the course of the last few weeks,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in a press conference on Tuesday.

“Every corner of our borough needs to have access to a testing site and two vaccination sites. And it’s irresponsible that we’re not there.”

Richards outlined three things he wants to see from the city and state: at-home testing in “the hands of residents immediately,” testing site expansion, which he said is moving at a “glacial pace,” and more vaccination sites.

Elected officials in western Queens held a virtual press conference to call for expanded testing capacity, especially for children under 2 years old, in response to the shuttering of 20 sites.

“I literally have one testing site in my district of 125,000 people that is available and that site is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an appointment only,” said Assemblymember Jessica Gonzáles-Rojas (D-Elmhurst) in the press conference.

“We need to ensure that we have access to vaccines ... testing, boosters, and we need to make sure it’s at the greatest capacity possible, with as many hours as possible and with as many languages spoken as possible.”

The city has announced doubled-down efforts in the fight against a winter surge as data

shows that the seven-day average for positive tests tripled over the last month and the daily percentpositive rate doubled in recent weeks. The Omicron variant has sprung up more in the New York and New Jersey region than anywhere else in the country.

Officials announced that they would add seven new testing sites as of Wednesday and on Thursday, they will open five new sites just to distribute at-home tests. The federal government will also open sites in New York City.

R ichards an nou nced that Queens Borough Hall will also offer vaccinations on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Jan. 8 and that they will continue testing five days a week.

“Omicron is here in New York City, and it is spreading quickly,” Dr. Dave Chokshi, commissioner of the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said in a press conference with Mayor de Blasio last Thursday.

Omicron is now the dominant strain of coronavirus in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for over 73 percent of the cases nationally and over 75 percent of those in the New YorkNew Jersey region.

“The seven-day average for new cases has tripled in the last month.

And all boroughs remain in high transmission. I do expect cases will continue to increase in the coming days,” said Chokshi.

Richards said the city should have seen this coming.

“The plan has been half-baked and we needed a full-throated plan,” he said on Tuesday. “This should have been expected. We k new coming into the winter

Queens Borough Hall, above, will be offering vaccinations on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Jan. 8 and will continPHOTOS BY DEIRDRE BARDOLF ; ZOOM SCREENSHOT ue to offer testing five days a week. months that people are going to be cooped up, so the spread was bound to happen.”

Since last week, Manhattan and Brooklyn have surpassed Queens for the percentage of positive cases. Breezy Point, however, comes in fourth for the ZIP code with the highest percent positive, with 15.6 percent and 35 new positive cases. The other Queens neighborhoods with the highest positive cases in the borough are Whitestone with 219 new cases and Glendale/Ridgewood with 706.

Accord i ng to st ate Health Department data, Queens saw 2,911 new positive cases on Monday, with 11.3 percent, the highest out of the five boroughs.

De Blasio outlined initiatives that will be taken in light of the rise. First, he spoke of an updated advisory from Chokshi, who reiterated that all New Yorkers should get vaccinated, that those 16 years old and up who are fully vaccinat-

Borough President Donovan Richards, left, and Queens leaders including Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzáles-Rojas, Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, Councilwoman-elect Julie Won, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz and Councilman-elect Shekar Krishnan held press conferences on Tuesday calling for increased action against Covid.

ed get a booster shot, that people wear high-quality masks indoors and that testing remains important and can detect Omicron.

De Blasio continued by saying that the city will increase testing capacity with more mobile and brick-and-mortar sites as well as the hours of operation and capacity. He said one million free KN95 masks will be distributed through the NYC Test & Trace Corps and community-based organizations.

Test & Trace sites will now be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offer at-home tests if there is a line, said Ted Long, the executive director.

“We want to remove all barriers so that every New Yorker that’s made that sacrifice to come out to one of our sites, does not leave empty handed,” said Long.

Community-based organizations will be distributing half a million rapid at-home tests. “We want to use at-home testing a lot more,” de Blasio said.

“Fifth, we’re going to double down on boosters,” the mayor continued, citing the 1.5 million New Yorkers who have gotten a booster.

Finally, he brought up increased inspections to ensure that businesses are following Covid protocols.

“We will be out to businesses all over the city, obviously those that are part of the Key To NYC — indoor dining, entertainment, fitness — making sure they’re applying our new instruction to ensure 5- to 11-year-olds are vaccinated,” de Blasio said.

He said inspectors will be out in “full force” and “make sure there’s a high level of compliance with each of those mandates.”

Children ages 5 to 11 are now required to show proof of at least one shot to enter restaurants, theaters and certain indoor businesses. Kids over 12 are required to be fully vaccinated.

NYC schools are seeing a record number of new Covid cases and Department of Education officials have been trying to quell rumors that the schools may be going remote, according to reports.

City data shows that the public school system saw 336 students and 195 teachers test positive as of Tuesday. Ten schools have closed and transitioned to fully remote, including PS 48 in Jamaica.

Teachers have been sounding the alarm on a lack of testing available to them. Queens educators are among those passing around a petition started by The Movement of Rank and File Educators, a caucus of the United Federation of Teachers, titled “Stop COVID Spread in NYC Schools.” The petition has over 2,500 signatures and calls for a “short-term transition to remote learning for schools with COVID cases,” immediate remote options, universal testing, increased vaccination sites, data transparency, quarantine for those exposed to the virus and ventilation fixes.

On Tuesday, R ichards also expressed concer n over DOE transparency and said that if there is a need to close schools, “the mayor should close them.”

On Tuesday, the mayor said that New Yorkers should expect a “challenging few weeks,” but there would be no more shutdowns. He announced $100 for anyone who gets a booster at a city or SOMOS Q Community Care site.

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Fred’s Law to keep families together Measure means that loved ones may assist disabled people in the hospital

by Max Parrott Chronicle Contributor

As the number of positive Omicron-fueled Covid cases surges in New York state, Gov. Hochul signed a bill Tuesday that will enshrine protections for the mentally disabled during hospitalization into law.

The new law, introduced by state Sen. Joe Adabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and in the Assembly by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), prevents New York hospitals from establishing any rules in response to a pandemic or state disaster emergency that separate the mentally disabled, who are unable to describe their medical condition, from an essential support person to accompany them for the duration of their hospitalization.

The issue was brought to light by a Middle Village family, whose son Fred D’Amico, a 30-year-old man with severe Asperger’s, died from Covid in the hospital after his parents were not permitted to accompany him to make decisions on his behalf.

“The D’Amico family has fought hard to make sure that no other family goes through the pain they felt when they lost Fred because no one was allowed to be with him when he entered the hospital in 2020. I want to thank

Gov. Hochul for signing this important piece of legislation into law,” Addabbo said in a statement.

Fred’s mother, Maria D’Amico, said she burst into tears when she heard news of the bill’s passage.

“Nobody else is going to die in the hospital alone like my son Freddy,” she said.

Gov. Hochul signed the bill into law along with a suite of other legislation protecting people with disabilities.

“People with disabilities are a crucial part of our New York family and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” she said in a statement. “The bills I’m signing into law today will ensure people with disabilities are supported in health care, employment and beyond. Working together, we’ll make sure our recovery from the pandemic includes every single New Yorker.”

Though Hochul has not announced shutdown measures to combat the current case surge, in the event that she calls another state of emergency, hospitals will not legally be able turn away parents like the D’Amicos.

Rules preventing guardians and caregivers from accompanying those with disabilities during hospitalization followed at many medical

A new law ensuring that people with disabilities can be attended to in the hospital by their relatives is named for the late Fred D’Amico, FILE PHOTO here with his mother, Maria. centers across the state from a law former Gov. Cuomo enacted at the beginning of the Covid crisis that gave hospitals broad authority to establish regulations in response to a pandemic without fear of certain forms of liability.

Even though Cuomo ended the state of emergency and executive orders that modified laws for hospitals this past June, advocates found that some hospital staff continued to turn guardians away at the hospital entrance seemingly unaware that they were no longer allowed to do so under state law.

Connie Altamirano, a community advocate who took on the role of communicating for the D’Amico family and pushing for the passage of Freds’s Law, said she fielded over a hundred calls from family members whom hospitals were trying to prevent from taking care of their disabled loved ones.

Altamirano personally helped those families to get their essential support person into the hospital to advocate for a family member with disabilities.

“After hearing from the D’Amico family and what they went through, I didn’t want another family to go through this. It wasn’t gonna happen in my state or it wasn’t gonna happen on my watch,” Altamirano said. “So when I took this case, it was a commitment to every disabled person out there or senior [with dementia].”

But with passage of the new law, Altamirano hopes that families will learn their rights and advocate for themselves as well. Addabbo told the Chronicle that people who find themselves in the same situation can call their representative or the Governor’s Office to ensure that the state enforces the rights of patients Q with disabilities.

C M SQ page 9 Y K Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 10

C M SQ page 10 Y K

P Remain calm and use your common sense on Covid EDITORIAL

D

AGE

on’t panic.

It won’t do you any good. It’ll add to your stress, possibly enough to affect your health, and it’ll leave you less able to think rationally.

And we need you thinking rationally. We all need to think rationally as this monstrous disappointment, this Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, spreads like wildfire and puts an end to any idea that we were going to “defeat Covid.”

No, we’re going to have to live with Covid — just as we’ve been living with the flu for the last 100 years. The influenza pandemic struck in 1918, killed 675,000 Americans and roughly 50 million people worldwide and lasted about two years. Then the virus mutated into a less deadly form. But it never left and reportedly still kills tens of thousands of people a year in the United States alone.

Covid has now been around for about two years. Nearly 810,000 Americans have died with it, a much larger share of the nearly 5.4 million fatalities worldwide than was the case 100 years ago. The reasons why — whether our outrageously high rates of obesity, a key comorbidity, the former administration’s flawed response, the current administration’s premature declaration of victory, the refusal of so

many people to get vaccinated, the inherent difficulty of imposing mandates on a free people, whether all these and more — will continue to be debated well into the future.

For now, we have to deal the best we can with a huge spike in cases. In Queens, the seven-day average of new infections, both confirmed and probable, was 2,306 on Dec. 19, compared to 181 on Halloween, just before they started to rise. Citywide, the figures are 7,888 and 833, respectively.

But hospitalizations look nothing like that — yet. The seven-day average for new ones in Queens on Dec. 19 was 19, compared to eight on Oct. 31. Citywide, the figures were 82 and 29, respectively. And in both cases, the number actually has been going down for several days. That’s great, though it cannot last with the number of new cases appearing. We can only hope the increase is manageable.

There is a chance the Omicron variant is less virulent than Delta and its predecessors. Preliminary studies point that way, though it’s too early to be certain. And one has to consider factors such as whether Americans can withstand Omicron as well as people in South Africa, where it was first recorded, when those here are, to be blunt, so much fatter overall. Obesity kills when it comes to Covid.

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More planes at JFK? Dear Editor: “Leaders from business and government are hailing an agreement between the Port Authority ...” (“Modern terminal is on the way to JFK,” Dec. 16, multiple editions). Originally that’s a good story. A lot of construction jobs are good. More opportunities in the transportation industry, good.

More flights over my house every day for the rest of my life are not. Unless I read this wrong 23 new gates are the issue here. Does this mean 23 more planes every couple of minutes is good?

Tell me, members of Congress (Gregory Meeks), or the NYS Assembly (Stacey Pheffer Amato, Khaleel Anderson), or the City Council (Daneek Miller, Adrienne Adams) and our new mayor that this is good for me, my children and my grandchildren? Is it?

Ed Sullivan Howard Beach

Rebuke student anti-Semitism Dear Editor: The Queens Jewish Community Council strongly condemns the recent anti-Israel resolution adopted by the CUNY Law School Student Government Association. The vilely offensive resolution is full of misinformation and false accusations. QJCC is embarrassed and saddened that such a naive and hateful missive © Copyright 2021 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsiblefor errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable.

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But don’t panic. It won’t do you any good. Instead, apply common-sense measures to protect yourself. First, get vaccinated — all three shots. No, the vaccines do not necessarily prevent you from catching Covid, but they do reduce the severity of disease — and that’s what you want, both for your own sake and to keep our healthcare system from being overwhelmed with patients. Also, though we don’t like it any more than you do, wear the mask. Not alone in the car, not on a deserted street, but anywhere indoors in public places and outdoors wherever people are close.

The other thing we must do is not destroy our society.

That means a number of things. There can be no further lockdowns. People who get Covid but have nothing more than the sniffles should not have to isolate for 10 days if they then test negative after just a couple of days. Schools must stay open. Once mayor, Eric Adams should allow restaurants to heat their outdoor structures with propane just as they did last winter. Drinks to go should be allowed again.

We simply have to remain able to go about our lives, to retain our freedom and to learn to live with Covid, even while protecting ourselves with common-sense measures.

And through it all, don’t panic.

E DITOR

should emanate from students in a place of higher learning in our borough.

QJCC thanks and supports CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodriguez on his response statement, which lays out CUNY’s organizational position.

The chancellor’s point that the resolution “... also calls on the University to end all academic exchange programs with Israel which is contrary to a university’s core mission to expose students personally and academically to a world that can be vastly different to their own, particularly through international exchange programs,” is particularly poignant, universally relevant — and highlights the repugnance of the student government’s untoward document.

QJCC calls on the presidents of the CUNY schools in Queens to confirm their support of the chancellor’s statement and/or to individually condemn this student action. Silence can be mistaken for acquiescence. QJCC calls on all people of good will to oppose and repudiate this and other such vile attacks.

Michael Nussbaum President, Queens Jewish Community Council Forest Hills

Meeks and anti-Semites Dear Editor: Re your 12/16 editorial “Anti-Semitism at CUNY”: CUNY isn’t the only place where anti-Semitism festers. The New York Post reports that Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Queens Democratic Party boss, formed an alliance with the Democratic Socialists of America, an anti-Israel group, to block the election of Francisco Moya as City Council speaker (Post, Dec. 17, “Fury at Queens Dem Big Anti-Israel Alliance”). MayorElect Eric Adams backed Moya for that post.

The Council selected Adrienne Adams as speaker by a 30-21 margin (Post, Dec. 18). The DSA supported Councilwoman Adams (no relation to Eric), who represents Southeast Queens and is serving her second term in City Hall.

Meeks’ collusion with the DSA upset Jewish leaders like Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis and an FDNY chaplain. “It’s the reason why people don’t respect some politicians because they’re willing to cut a deal and allow

C M SQ page 11 Y K

E DITOR

Dear Editor: ’Twas the night before Christmas, And all through the City Crime was quite rampant, Everything was sh--ty; Injection sites were promptly set up with care, Hoping that soon the junkies would be there; At the train station an Asian Was viciously stabbed; The perp was let go; There was no rehab.

The people were locked down With masks and more boosters, As the media wrote scare porn; They were crowing like roosters.

When all of a sudden The Mayor awoke; He knew that soon The City was broke; No tenured nurses, no teachers, no cops, firefighters or sanitation; These people were broke and so was the Nation.

They couldn’t pay taxes; They couldn’t buy presents; They couldn’t go traveling; Because now they were peasants.

But lo and behold, What’s that I hear?

De Blasio is gone as soon as the New Year.

So Santa please listen, And do try to do it; Let the new Mayor change things And try to renew it.

Lee Covino Staten Island

Adams’ backroom deals Dear Editor: The four candidates who threw their support behind Queens NYC Council member Adrienne Adams to become the next NYC

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A visit from St. Ridiculous

Dear Editor: For the first time I agree with Lenny Rodin about de Blasio’s time as mayor (“Any de Blasio fans?”, Letters, Dec. 2). Truly a disgrace.

But a few weeks ago Edward Riecks said he wondered if Mayor-elect Eric Adams will be his own man and not support “ending every holiday that the left wants removed,” whatever that means (“The de Blasio disaster,” Letters, Dec. 9). Doesn’t he know Trump saved America and now we can all say “Merry Christmas?” He ends his letter by saying he eagerly waits to see how Adams will govern.

Are he and all other Republicans “eager” to see the next attack on our democracy? Rest assured it’s coming. Trump has radicalized millions of Americans to the point of violence.

He has built the first American mass political movement in the past century that is ready to fight for its disgraceful, treasonous cause by any means necessary, including bloodshed.

For over a year now, Trump’s lemmings have been planning the theft of the next presidential election. As Barton Gellman wrote in The Atlantic, the GOP in Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and other states have studied his crusade to overturn the 2020 election. Noting what failed, they’ve taken concrete steps to avoid that failure next time.

They have rewritten long-standing laws to seize partisan control of decisions about which ballots to count and which to discard or which results to certify and which to reject. They have stripped power from election officials who refused to go along with the plot last November and replaced them with traitors to democracy who still promote Trump’s Big Lie. Just wait and see. They will have their handchosen state legislators override the choice of the citizens of the United States. If they succeed, there will be no turning back.

Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

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Council speaker, including Councilwoman Diana Ayala, Councilman Keith Powers, Councilman Justin Brannan and Manhattan Borough President and Councilwoman-elect Gale Brewer, have other motivations in dropping out of the race (“Speaker race gets contentious,” by Naeisha Rose, Dec. 16).

Watch for the political quid pro quo should she be elected the next Council speaker. All four will share in the spoils of victory. Don’t be surprised when Adams appoints each to the position of either Council majority leader or chairperson of one of the more powerful Council committees such as Finance, Land Use, Housing and Buildings, Higher Education, Public Safety or Oversight and Investigations.

There are also employment opportunities to friends and supporters of each Council member. Several hundred positions are available in the Speaker’s Office and various supplemental staff assigned to Council members along with the usual lulus for chairing one of the 38 Council committees and funding for future member items. Everyone will get a piece of the pie at taxpayers’ expense.

Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

For the latest news visit qchron.com

the ends to justify the means,” he stated (Post, Dec. 17). Conservative Queens Democratic Councilman Robert Holden said Meeks erred by negotiating for votes with the DSA, which backs the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement against Israel. “The DSA crowd opposes the State of Israel and some of them are anti-Semitic,” he claimed. It also wants to defund police and keep violent felons out of jail. DSA members include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez and Queens City Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán.

Meeks chairs the House Foreign Relations Committee and strongly supported Israel till now. He’s no stranger to controversy during his 23 years in Congress. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington condemned him for accepting improper gifts and acting on behalf of a donor, R. Allen Stanford, sentenced to a 110-year federal prison term for financial fraud (Queens-Politics.com, May 26, 2014).

Why did Meeks forge a deal with far-left radicals to impact a race for City Council speaker that has nothing to do with the office he holds? I hope the Chronicle and other media can get answers from him that Queens voters deserve.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Merry Christmas

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 12

C M SQ page 12 Y K

Get tested at sites around the borough City locations across Queens have dates in time for upcoming holidays

by Deirdre Bardolf Testing sites are expanding across New York City following a sharp rise in cases and a surge in the Omicron variant. Queens elected officials have called on more testing sites with increased capacity as well as athome testing kits.

Here are testing sites around Queens, many of which also offer vaccinations, as listed Wed nesd ay by N YC Health + Hospitals: Mobile Testing Sites: Rapid and PCR available — ages 4 and up

CDC Mobile Testing Queens Valley Playground Corner of 137 Street and 77 Ave. Flushing, NY 11367 Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Until Dec. 23 PCR Testing Available Here

Telephone Playground 216-98 75th Ave., Oakland Gardens Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B parking lot 1 Central Terminal Dr. Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

7 days a week

Our Lady of Sorrows Church Corner of 37th Ave and 104th Street Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26

John F. Kennedy Airport Next to Terminal 5 Airtrain Station Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

7 days a week

Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park 95th Ave, Queens, NY 11419 Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26

Beach 39th Vaccine Hub 42-12 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Until Dec. 26

Life Camp Inc. 111-12 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26

ELMCOR 98-19 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst Monday-Tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 23

Park of the Americas 104th Street and 41st Street, Corona Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26 The Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr 116-42 Farmers Blvd.

Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26 NYCHA Woodside 50-37 Newtown Road Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26 For the latest news visit qchron.com

CDC Mobile Testing Travers Park, 76-9 34th St. Wednesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Until Dec. 23 PCR Testing Available

Associate Editor

El Dorado 54-55 Myrtle Ave Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Until Dec. 26 100 Suits 227-12A Merrick Blvd., Queens Village Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Until Dec. 26 Corner of Archer Ave./Jamaica Ave and Sutphin Blvd.

Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Dec. 21-24; Dec. 28-31

MTA reduced fare pilot program continued from page 2 Queens Village. “We feel that the MTA board should adopt the Passengers United proposal instead and commuters should get the following discounts for it to benefit the frontline workers.”

D’Souza does support OMNY passes becoming unlimited in March, but wants an additional 30 percent reduction for the LIRR. The MTA’s reversal on fare hikes is a result of the federal government allocating $14.5 billion to the transit system, the largest in North America, according to a Nov. 15 report from The New York Times. The agency received $4

billion of the funds, and the remainder will be spread out through a multiyear process covering operation losses up to 2025. It will also receive an additional $2.9 billion loan.

The fare hikes would have increased the MetroCard’s flat fee to $2.85 from $2.75 and would have upped surcharges to $3 from $1 for replacement cards. There was also the possibility of unlimited weekly and monthly rides being eliminated. The LIRR and Metro-North faced either a complete overhaul where riders were charged based on their destination or a 4 percent increase in singleride and 10-trip tickets.

CDC Mobile Testing Helen Marshall Playground 100 St and 24th Ave. East Elmhurst, NY 11369 Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Until Dec. 23 PCR Testing Available Here Brick-and-mortar sites NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst 77-04 41st Avenue Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

(718) 334-4000 Covid-19 Testing and Antibody Testing Offered Here -Appointments required NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

(718) 883-3000 Covid-19 Testing and Antibody Testing Offered Here Sorrentino Rec Center (ongoing) 18-48 Cornaga Avenue Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Rapid Molecular Testing Available \ 455 Jefferson Street Corner of Flushing and Cypress Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Dec. 20-23, Dec. 27-30 Rapid Antigen Testing Available Here Elmhurst/Newton High School Testing is at 90-20 56th Avenue However, the lack of a fare hike could result in a $2.5 billion budget gap after 2025, according to the Citizens Budget Commission, a watchdog group.

The MTA will evaluate the impact the new fare structure has on operations, customer experience and revenue.

“I am confident that this development will be a game-changer going forward,” said Miller. “With ridership not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels anytime soon, capturing that lost revenue is a huge benefit for the MTA, and it’s our hope that they will consider keeping this fare structure in effect and expanding it to include a free transfer to subways and buses.”

As of Dec. 16, subway and Staten Island

Tuesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Until Dec. 24 PCR Testing Available Here Greater Allen Cathedral of NY 110-31 Merrick Blvd.

Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 23, 26 Community Church of Christ Events 167-04 108th Avenue Tuesday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Friday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Dec. 24 Promise Church 130-30 31st Ave. Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Dec. 26 New Life United Methodist Church 88-40 80th Street Monday, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Until Dec. 24 Mt. Moriah AME Church (Linden Blvd.

Buisness Corridor) 116-20 Francis Lewis Blvd.

Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dec. 26 Queens College Student Union 65-30 Kissena Blvd.

Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dec. 23, 24 Sunnyside Community Services 43-31 39th Street Tuesday, 1 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dec. 23 Site details are subject to change.

Visit nychealthand hospitals.org for Q updates.

Railway ridership was between 54.6 to 65.7 percent of pre-pandemic levels throughout the week of Dec. 6 to Dec.15, according to the MTA. Local, limited, select bus service and express bus rides were from 57.3 to 64.8 percent. LIRR ridership was as low as 53 and up to 87 percent during the weekend, which is when riders use City Ticket. Metro-North was from 48 percent to 51 percent.

If the pilot is successful the MTA Board can decide to make it permanent, discontinue it or adjust it, according to the transit agency.

“Our fare structure is an important tool we have to win back riders,” said Lieber. “Business logic says it doesn’t make sense to increase the price just as you’re trying to Q rebuild your customer base.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 14

C M SQ page 14 Y K

Adams secures win for the speakership Jamaica councilwoman secures 33 allies ahead of early Jan. election

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

Cou nci lwom a n Ad r ie n ne Ad a m s (D-Jamaica) is the presumptive winner of the City Council speakership race, with voting set for early January.

Mayor-elect Eric Adams (no relation) may have been jockeying for Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona), to get someone of a Latino or Hispanic background to a citywide seat, but an unprecedented number of women have not only more than doubled their membership in the City Council, they have become the majority and pushed for a woman to lead.

Despite not garnering enough backing through his political maneuvering to get Moya in the speakership, the mayor-elect congratulated his fellow Bayside High School alum on her win.

“After weeks of hearing from incoming Councilmembers and leaders I trust across New York, I am convinced that Adrienne Adams will be the best choice to lead our City Council forward, and I believe she has the support to do it,” Adams said in a Twitter post. “I look forward to working with her in partnership.”

The future speaker thanked Adams for his “well-wishes” and said she is prepared to take on the role and form a productive working relationship to keep the city safe.

The New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters celebrated her victory after 32BJ SEIU released a list of Adams’ 33 backers across four boroughs — more than the 26 necessary to win what is considered the second-most powerful position in the city.

“We congratulate Adrienne Adams on her historic win as the next Speaker of the City Council,” said Joseph Geiger, executive secretary-treasurer of the District Council of Carpenters. “She is, and has always been, a steadfast ally of all working men and women.

Under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams, New York City will become safer, stronger, and more prosperous for all of us.”

Among the Jamaica councilwoman’s backers were 24 women.

“At a time where the NYC Council will usher in a majority-women led body, one reflective of this great city and its rich diversity,” Adams said in an Instagram post, “I would like to also thank the members and our labor coalition.”

Outside of Queens, four members from Manhattan, seven from the Bronx and 12 from Brooklyn supported her. In her home borough she received support from 10 people: Councilmembers and councilmember-elects Sandra Ung (D-Flushing), Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria), Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens),

Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest), Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights), Julie Won (D-Sunnyside), Nantasha Williams (D-Jamaica), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton). Added to that is Adams’ vote for herself.

Williams considers Adams to be a unifying force.

“We need a Speaker who is ready to lead on Day 1 and unite this Council to tackle our biggest challenges. That’s what Adrienne will do — and she will make New Yorkers proud as the next Speaker of the City Council,” she said in a statement.

The District Council of Carpenters, District Council 37, the Communications Workers of America District 1, the New York State Nurses Association and 32BJ SEIU threw their support behind Adams.

“The city has been ravaged by the pandemic, and if we want a worker-led recovery, we need a Council Speaker who is up to the task,” Kyle Bragg, 32BJ SEIU president, said in a statement. “Adrienne Adams is a proven leader and fighter for working people, and I’m proud to support her.”

Adams, who represents all or part of Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park in City Council District 27, was thankful for the diverse coalition of legislative and labor union leaders who championed her.

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams is the presumptive winner ahead of the speakership election in FILE PHOTO early January 2022.

“Our coalition reflects the best of our city.

We are ready to come together to solve the enormous challenges we face in order to not just recover from Covid but to build a better, fairer City that works for everyone,” she said in a prepared statement. “I want to thank the Councilmembers, labor and party leaders, women’s groups, and everyone in our broad coalition for their support. The City Council will be a collaborative and effective legislative body that incorporates what makes New York City great and focuses on the needs of our Q communities.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 16

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License plate bill to uncover bad drivers

Competition is jolly in HB

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Sometimes, according to Councilman Bob Holden (D-Middle Village), it can take years for a bill to make its way through the City Council and become law.

But his recent bill to ban the sale of devices that conceal or obscure licence plates made it through with the speed of the driver he and his chief of staff encountered in Maspeth, who inspired he bill.

“We were on 69th Street heading toward Eliot Avenue, coming back from Manhattan,” Holden said. “In the mirror I see this black Jeep, pulling out and coming up behind us in the wrong direction.

The driver sped up to the intersection, giving no indication that he intended to stop at the red light. They decided to try and record his license plate.

“Then this curtain came down,” he said.

“We only got a little of their plate.”

Digging further, the councilman discovered that similar devices are available at places like Amazon.

And thus a bill was born.

While drivers in the city already face penalties of up to $300 for using devices to

obscure their plates, Holden’s measure goes after the sellers, banning commerce in “any materials or substances whose purpose is to conceal or obscure license plates or distort a recorded or photographic image of license plates.” It passed Dec. 10.

“It sped through the Council,” he said.

“It had bipartisan support.”

In what may be Holden’s most impressive legislative feat since taking office, it even had Councilmen Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) and Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) on the same page.

He said it is less about catching the occasional toll cheater at a bridge or tunnel than it is about public safety. He said that the only purpose of the devices is to intentionally violate the law by obscuring a vehicle’s license plate “so that the scofflaw driver can commit crimes, ranging anywhere from reckless driving to much more serious ones, with impunity.”

The penalty will be at least $300 for the first violation and at least $500 for any subsequent violation. If Mayor de Blasio neither signs nor vetoes it, the bill will become law 60 days from passage, and Q would take effect 90 days later.

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Eric Ulrich exits City Council

The Howard Beach Dad’s annual Christmas decorating contest is back on with over 20 different homes decked out in holiday cheer.

In addition to dazzling light displays, many homes have other features like music synchronized to the blinking of the bulbs, like the top house. Back this year is also

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Visit the Howard Beach Dads Facebook for the whole list, to enter in the contest and to sponsor or donate a prize for the — Deirdre Bardolf winner.

continued from page 4 “This is an important constituency that often feels overlooked, forgotten or unappreciated,” he said.

Ulrich also noted the bills following Hurricane Sandy that made it easier for people to rebuild and modify their homes.

What he enjoyed, he said, were the “less sexy” aspects of being a councilmember, like getting Cross Bay Boulevard repaired.

“I really enjoyed being the custodian of the community — cleaning up the place and making it more clean and green and more aesthetically pleasing,” he said.

The only regret he said he has is not taking better care of himself. Ulrich publicly announced his struggle with alcohol and recently celebrated eight months sober.

“If my experience could serve as an example to help others, I was very happy to do it,” said Ulrich.

With most of his adult life spent in city politics, he said he is using this new chapter to teach his daughter an example.

“I’ve used this to teach my daughter about the importance of change and how sometimes change is good — that it’s OK for situations to change and for careers to change, and that we have to be resilient and we have to be strong people and that we have to roll with the punches.”

As for big changes, Ulrich is expected to join the team of Mayor-elect Eric Adams.

“That’s a wrap!” Ulrich tweeted after his last City Council meeting. “As Frank Sinatra says, “the best is yet to come ...”

He has said he is excited to pass the torch to Councilwoman-elect Joann Ariola, who will maintain the red seat in the district and continue many of his policies, including the cleanup of Jamaica Bay and a commitment to schools and quality-of-life issues.

“Given her background in civics and raising her own family here, Joann really is going to take this to the next level,” he said.

“Joann is a lot more likeable than I am in some ways,” Ulrich laughed, citing his d r y s e n s e of h u m o r a n d g r u f f personality.

“If you don’t have good schools and a safe community, that’s when you see the for-sale signs going up,” Ulrich said.

Throughout her campaign, Ariola promised to prevent a “mass exodus” from the neighborhood.

Ulrich added that he could not have done it without his staff, whom he is very proud of.

“People may not remember the bills I’ve passed but they will remember the quality-of-life things that we did,” he Q said.

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Natural gas on back burner New construction will need new technology over the next six years

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

The City Council’s vote on Dec. 15 to ban natural gas hookups in new construction over the next six years made national news.

A nd C ou nci l m a n Ja me s G e n n a ro (D-Hillcrest), chairman of the Committee on the Environment, acknowledges that the devil really, really will be in the details.

“This is complex stuff,” he said with understatement worthy of an Englishman.

The law will require that any new construction of buildings of six or fewer stories be natural gas-free by the start of 2024.

Buildings seven stories or more have until the end of 2026.

The final vote was 40-7 with Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens) abstaining. Three of the nay votes — Bob Holden (D-Middle Village), Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) — came from the Queens delegation.

Gennaro, a geologist and environmental scientist by training, said the law does not move fast enough for many environmental groups, and certainly not as fast as the initial bill introduced by Councilwoman Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brooklyn).

“The original bill was one and a half pages,” he said. Gennaro said he spoke with builders both large and small, including those who craft carbon-neutral buildings.

He spoke with engineers, energy companies and real estate interests.

He said the two- and six-year lag times were needed to address concerns about the alternate technology to replace natural gas’ functions.

“I did a lot of research,” he said. “A lot of people are going to rely on heat pumps.

That technology is significantly mature even now for a six-story building. We can heat and cool with them. We can convert laundry room dryers to electric. But when it comes to domestic hot water, there’s nothing other than natural gas that is going to make that happen.”

He also said for taller buildings, heat pu mps can work just f ine in 30 - or 40-degree weather.

“But when you get down to 2 or 3 degrees, you’re pulling heat from air that is essentially zero degrees. It’s not an efficient process.”

Gennaro also said he eliminated new regulations for “gut renovations” and building expansions, saying they need a law of their own, one that would rely on incentives

Wishing everyone the best Christmas Season possible, and for a Healthy New Year.

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The City Council has approved measures that will phase in bans on natural gas in most future construction. proven policies that meaningfully reduce carbon emissions from the built environment,” REBNY President James Wilson said. “While we appreciate that the efficient electrification of buildings is an important component of realizing these goals, these policies must be implemented in a way that ensures that New Yorkers have reliable, affordable, carbon-free electricity to heat, cool and power their homes and businesses.

We look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that will effectively balance these goals.”

National Grid, in an email, said it shares New York’s goal for economy-w ide decarbonization.

“We recently announced the progress we’re making with our own decarbonization plan to transform our networks to deliver smarter, cleaner and more resilient affordable energy solutions,” the utility said. “We have an obligation to continue to serve our 1.9 million customers who are not affected by the legislation and depend on us for safe, reliable and affordable service and we’ll continue to work with stakeholders to ensure a fair and equitable enerQ gy future for all.”

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to switch to electric rather than mandates, par ticularly given the diff icult y and expense of refitting older buildings.

“I pulled those out,” he said. “They need a bill of their own.”

Along with heat pumps, Gennaro said the bill requires a study of the state power gird, saying the city and state can’t meet their mandated future emission levels unless the grid itself is as green as the energy sources.

He also acknowledged that lawmakers might have to revisit the regulations if deadlines are approaching and advances in heating technology have not yet caught up — provided there are 26 votes on the Council to do so.

“There is a way that reality can impose itself,” he said.

He also said all buildings would be permitted to have fossil fuel generators available for power grid failures. Places like hospitals are exempt. He said it has gotten support from environmental groups from both ends of the political spectrum.

“All in all, this is a great bill,” he said.

Holden begged to differ. Speaking with the Chronicle on Tuesday, he said that as important as combating climate change is, the city does not yet have the infrastructure to power everything with electricity.

Holden said the grid needs to be modernized before imposing any sweeping changes. And he is very wary of having residents overly reliant on a single source of energy.

“In Middle Village, we do not have an electric grid that is up to 21st-century standards,” he said. “We have a lot of overhead lines. We have a lot of outages during storms. We have brownouts and blackouts every summer.”

Holden said he would favor an incentivebased plan like the one Gennaro plans to propose for expansion and renovation projects.

In a statement on its website, the Real Estate Board of New York supported the law’s goals but voiced a concern.

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Toys galore in Ozone Park

OPINION

Fare capping is not the solution for MTA riders

fers as t hey a re

by Allan Rosen The MTA is planning to put a weekly cap called, are permitted, on full-fare OMNY trips, starting next they are not publiMarch to replace the seven- and 30-day cized so residents passes as it converts from the MetroCard to new to a neighborthe new system. When someone spends the hood where they equivalent of what a seven- or 30-day pass exist cannot use this would cost, there would be no additional information in plancharges for the remainder of the period ning their trips and making it fairer than the current system. may be paying extra Riders would no longer have to guess if a fares unnecessarily.

The answer is to have a fare not based on pass is a better deal for them than paying for the number of vehicles required, but on the individual rides.

Seems like a good idea on the surface, amount of time spent on the system, as I but it is not the answer to a fairer fare. Here first suggested to them in 2017. Since the is why. Since the pandemic began fewer rid- MTA does not know where you get off, ers have been working five days a week, so there should be a fare based on all transfers unlimited passes have become less advanta- that can be made within two hours of entergeous, especially with the bonuses being ing the system. While not entirely eliminatreduced in recent years. An unlimited daily ing double fares, which would still be requ i red for ext ra fare that would greatly lengthy trips, no one encourage transit usage making a shor t t r ip is not under considerharging based on would be penalized as is ation because the MTA believes it would be time in the system presently the case.

Tr a n s it r id e r s h i p abused by riders sharing would be better. would increase with doupasses and would result ble fares being nearly in having to provide increased transit service, costing them more. eliminated, since they are a big deterrent to Queens residents are especially hard hit not using transit for many, especially famiwith double fares because three buses or a lies. Also, riders would be encouraged to bus to a subway to a bus is required for combine their errands into one trip for one many trips due to the lack of adequate sub- fare instead of having to pay separately for way service. Many take longer indirect two- each one.

The vast majority of those who use the bus trips to save a fare, rather than a shorter trip involving three vehicles, like a bus, sub- system for school or work would not be able way and bus. Those longer indirect trips to take advantage of this special fare, and may also cost the MTA more by requiring still would have to pay twice to make a them to provide additional unnecessary bus round trip, so the amount of revenue loss service. Not allowing three buses for one would be minimal, if additional trips made fare also prevents transferring between SBS do not neutralize the loss completely.

The MTA is too concerned with losing and a local for one fare if a third bus or subrevenue by allowing round trips on one fare, way is required.

The bus redesign plan under discussion which can be done anyway today in some would further increase the number of buses cases with a little ingenuity. The MTA and required to travel. A bus to a train would be its predecessors also did not allow many bus replaced by two buses to a train in some transfers or transfers to the subway for over cases. Does the MTA believe that fare cap- 50 years using the same excuse that too ping would substitute the need to provide much revenue would be lost.

Only about 30 percent of bus trips can be additional free transfers? We do not know.

In the rare cases where three-legged trans- made with a single bus. Imagine how many more would use transit if the cost of a onebus trip was reduced to $2.50; the subway fare and a two-bus trip, and a subway-bus transfer remained at $2.75; and a two-hour trip on unlimited buses and subways would cost $3, with a daily fare cap of $5.50 or $6.

Those paying double fares are doubly hit with each fare increase. This cannot continue indefinitely. It is time to take a new Q approach regarding fares.

Allan Rosen is a retired former director of MTA New York City Transit Bus Planning with three decades’ experience in An eastbound Q4 rambles along in South- transportation and a master’s degree in urban planning.

FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON east Queens.

PHOTOS COURTESY COPCP

For the latest news visit qchron.com

C

A holiday event in Ozone Park served hundreds of children in need by giving them toys and jackets in a day that was filled with treats and photos with Santa Claus.

The event, organized by the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol in partnership with Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, took place last Saturday at the Bangladeshi

American Community Development and Youth Service.

The NYPD 106th Precinct Auxiliary, the Queens Community Lions Club and the Ozone Park Kiwanis Club also attended and assisted.

Contributions were made by the community, local organizations and businesses.

C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

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Meng, Richards talk infrastructure What Biden’s $1.2 trillion package will mean for Queens residents

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

New federal funds will be put toward improving climate and storm infrastructure and making subway and train stations more accessible, Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said during a Dec. 20 press conference with Borough President Donovan Richards. The two discussed a variety of infrastructure projects that could potentially benef it Queens.

The funding is the result of the Nov. 15 passage of President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. It is not yet clear exactly how much money Queens will receive, said Meng, who was in attendance for the bill’s signing at the White House.

The press conference was originally slated to be held near Peck Avenue in Flushing, the site of immense flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, but was moved online due to the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases throughout the city.

Accordingly, Meng spent a great deal of the press conference discussing storm infrastructure, specifically, the need for updated sewers and catch basins, which she said were “not able to handle” the two most recent storms.

“These [sewers and catch basins] were built for an era when 100-year floods actu-

In light of Hurricane Ida, Rep. Grace Meng emphasized the need for improved storm infrastrucZOOM SCREENSHOT / U.S. HOUSE ture in Queens during an online press conference. ally only occurred every 100 years,” Meng said, a picture of a Queens storm drain in hand. “Our infrastructure — just like these catch basins around here — must be updated and maintained to reflect the reality that storms like Ida will occur with greater frequency, putting lives at risk.”

Richards agreed that Hur ricane Ida revealed a gapping hole in the borough’s

infrastructure.

“Many pockets of our borough never had the infrastructure investment put in place, even as the borough grew,” he said. “You question how these neighborhoods were built without sufficient infrastructure, and I think what [Meng] did in DC will help us to finally ... not only piece together that puzzle, but to finally address it.”

On the topic of subways and trains, Meng said she hopes to use the funding to add elevators and ramps at a number of stat ions across her d ist r ict to i ncrease accessibility.

“Most of my [district’s] subway stations don’t have any elevator or ramp access, and this affects people. If you’re on a walker, in a wheelchair, a parent with young children, you physically cannot get into the subway station,” Meng said. “So many of our constituents have to hop on a bus or a subway, and then go back to a different stop — farther than their home — to get to an accessible station.”

Meng also said that she intends to reopen the Elmhurst station on the Long Island Rail Road, which has been closed since 1985; talk of reopening the stop has persisted for several years now.

In addition, Meng said she hopes to dedicate some funding to providing students with internet access. “We have to close the digital divide,” she said. “This is not just a rural issue.”

Relatedly, a Dec. 18 press release from Meng’s office said that $28.4 million of the Biden bill will be put toward “much needed improvements” to LaGuardia Airport, each year for the next five years. Possible qualifying projects include terminal development Q and improved runways and taxiways.

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COVID-19 VACCINES SAVE LIVES. GET VACCINATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDVACCINE.

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Florea: 33 months for threats to senator Middle Village man posted of killing Warnock; vowed to join Jan. 6 attack

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A Middle Village man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for threats he posted on social media back in January, including threats to kill U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

Eduard Florea, 41, was sentenced last Thursday by U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee in federal court in Brooklyn.

He was wanted for a series of threats made on social media that were connected with the Jan. 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol.

Florea did not go to Washington, DC to take part, but did post on Jan. 6 that he and others intended to travel there and intended to be armed when they did so.

The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force found more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition in his home during a raid last Jan. 12, though Florea had a New York State conviction for a firearms-related felony on his record.

He pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats to injure and one count of possessing ammunition after having been convicted of a felony back in August.

Komitee could have sentenced Florea to up to 15 years.

“With today’s sentence, the defendant faces serious consequences for threatening

Police and federal agents converged on Eduard Florea’s Middle Village home in January after he READER FILE PHOTO posted threats that included murdering a United States senator. the life of United States Senator Raphael Warnock as part of his effort to foment violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in connection with attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election,” said Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, in a statement issued by is office.

“This office is deeply committed to protecting our democratic institutions and preserving our democracy, and will vigorously prosecute those who would undermine our founding principles as a nation by threatening the safety of our elected representatives or those who seek elected office.”

Feds: prostitution rings busted Five Queens residents and an upstate cop charged

by Michael Gannon

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Senior News Editor

Federal prosecutors say they have broken up two Queens-based prostitution rings dating back to 2002 and at least 2004, respectively, with the arrests of six people on a 14-count indictment.

And the one link between the two is alleged to be a man named Wayne Peiffer, 48, a police officer in the upstate Village of Brewster since 2006.

All the other defendants live in Queens.

Authorities allege that the Cid-Hernandez sex trafficking group began in approximately May 2002, and used force, threats, fraud and coercion to lure young women and minor girls from Mexico to work as prostitutes.

The complaint, released on Dec. 14, states that the group had a controlled a number of “routes” with lists of clients throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The women were transported from and back to Queens by paid drivers.

Alleged members arrested included Luz Elvira Cardona, 33; Roberto Cesar Cid Dominguez, 54; Blanca Hernandez Morales, 51; and Jose Facundo Zarate Morales, 32.

Cristian Noe Godinez, 42, was charged in connection with what the government calls the Godinez prostitution business, which had been operating since at least 2004.

Prosecutors allege it also controlled client routes and paid its drivers. It allegedly operated from Queens “to various locations.”

The 19-page indictment alleges that Peiffer took steps to protect both organizations from “interference by law enforcement” in Brewster, including his own department.

Both groups allegedly provided him with free services in exchange for assistance that included “advance notice of law enforcement activities and assistance with avoiding detection and apprehension by law enforcement.”

The complaint states that the Cid-Hernandez group had been trafficking women to Brewster since at least 2004, and the Godinez operation since at least 2017.

“As alleged, the defendants conspired to lure young women and minor girls to travel to the United States based on false promises of a better life and forced them into prostitution once they arrived,” said Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, in a statement. “The defendants allegedly received assistance in carrying out this conspiracy from a corrupt police officer who traded the honor of his badge and sworn oath for free sexual services. This Office is committed to bringing sex traffickers to justice and dismantling organizations that victimize women.”

In the Cid-Hernandez group, Cardona was charged with conspiracy to transport minors;

sex trafficking of a minor; transportation of a minor; and Travel Act conspiracy.

Cid Dominguez was charged with conspiracy to transport minors; sex trafficking of a minor; transportation of a minor; Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy; two counts of Travel Act conspiracy; promotion of prostitution; and two counts of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery.

Hernandez Morales, 51, was charged with conspiracy to transport minors; two counts of sex trafficking of a minor; two counts of transportation of a minor; and Travel Act Conspiracy.

Zarate Morales was charged with conspiracy to transport minors; sex trafficking of a minor; transportation of a minor; and Travel Act conspiracy.

Charges against Godinez include Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy; Travel Act conspiracy; and promotion of prostitution.

Peiffer is charged with two counts of Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy; two counts of Travel Act conspiracy; two counts of promotion of prostitution; and two counts of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery.

Brewster Mayor James Schoenig, in a letter on the village’s website dated Dec. 15, said “the officer” has been suspended without pay and that the village will cooperate fully “to Q the extent requested.”

Back on Jan. 5, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Florea posted “We need to all come to an agreement ... and go armed ... and really take back Washington.” A few minutes later, Florea posted, “Tomorrow may very [well] be the day war kicks off ... ” At 11:53 p.m. the same day, Florea posted, “Warnock is going to have a hard time casting votes for communist policies when he’s swinging with the f---ing fish.”

In the early morning hours of Jan. 6, the day Congress met to certify President Biden’s election, at approximately 12:42 a.m., Florea referenced Sen. Warnock and stated, “Dead men can’t pass sh-t laws ...”

On Jan. 6, 2021, with the Capitol under seige, Florea made a number of posts about traveling to Washington, including: • “Mine are ready ... I am ready ... we need to regroup outside of DC and attack from all sides ... talking to some other guy ...

I will keep watching for the signal.”

• “I am awaiting my orders ... armed and ready to deploy ...”

• “Guns cleaned loaded ... got a bunch of guys all armed and ready to deploy ... we are just waiting for the word” • “Me and some guys are gearing up to head in ... where are you ... 3 cars already are enroute ...all armed.” and • “It’s time to unleash some violence.” Q

Adams makes more picks Mayor-elect Eric Adams has continued filling out his administration, recently naming high-profile people to fill three high-profile positions.

Lorraine Grillo, commissioner of the NYC Department of Design and Construction, has been tapped as first deputy mayor. Grillo also serves as senior advisor to Mayor Blasio for Covid Recovery. She formerly headed t h e c it y’s S cho ol C o n s t r u c t io n Authority.

Cou ncilman Ydanis Rod r ig uez (D-Manhattan) will serve as commissioner of the Department of Transportation. The term-limited councilman has been in office since 2010. He also has served as chairman of the Transportation Committee for the last eight years.

Louis Molina, named commissioner of the Department of Correction, will be confronted immediately with the unenviable task of getting Rikers Island in order. He has an extensive background there, formerly serving as the chief internal monitor and acting assistant commissioner in the DOC. He presently serves as director for pubQ lic safety in Las Vegas.

— Michael Gannon

C M SQ page 25 Y K

Advocates for residents with criminal histories are slamming the City Council for declining to vote on a bill that would have prevented landlords and real estate brokers from conducting criminal background checks on prospective tenants.

Intro. 2047, titled the New York City Council Fair Chance for Housing Act, had three co-sponsors from Queens: Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Daniel Drom m (D-Jackson Heights) and Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside).

The Fair Chance for Housing Coalition in a statement issued on Dec. 15 criticizing Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan) and the Council “for succumbing to fear-mongering and pressure from real estate lobbyists, leaving thousands of people with past conviction records stuck in shelters and unstable housing.”

The organization stated that the bill would have protected 750,000 city residents. Representatives of landlords and the real estate industry countered that property owners, especially smaller landlords renting out of their homes, have a right to know whom they are Q renting to.

— Michael Gannon

SPORTS

BEAT

The Buck stops in Flushing

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has always said he doesn’t want people learning on his dime, so it wasn’t a shock when he tweeted last Saturday that Buck Showalter would become the 23rd manager in Mets history. He joins Casey Stengel, Yogi Berra, and Dallas Green as those who managed the Yankees before moving over to the Mets. Joe Torre did the opposite.

Showalter’s competitors, Joe Espada and Matt Quatraro, coaches for the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays, respectively, are highly regarded but lack prior MLB managerial experience.

Neither man lost anything by taking part in the high-profile Mets managerial search, as they will surely get opportunities in the very near future. Former Mets infielder Chris Woodward told me he credits his eight-hour interview with the Yankees to replace Joe Girardi in 2017 as the key to landing his current gig as the skipper of the Texas Rangers. Jon Daniels, the Rangers’ general manager who grew up in Fresh Meadows, took notice and surely chatted with his Yankees counterpart, Brian Cashman, about him.

While it’s hard to quibble with the Showalter selection, I am curious as to why the Mets failed to reach out to either Mike Schildt or Walt Weiss. Schildt was dismissed as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals despite his team winning 17 consecutive games last season and making the

playoffs. Weiss, from Rockland County, had a solid 13-year big league playing career and a four-year managerial stint with the Colorado Rockies. He is currently the bench coach of the World Series champion Atlanta Braves.

Whether Showalter will meet his team in mid-February, when training camps are scheduled to open, depends on baseball’s labor-management dispute getting resolved. One prominent club executive I spoke with last week expects a resolution by March 1.

This exec, whom I’d rather not name, understands why the players want to reduce the time it takes to become free agents from six years to five, but thinks they are foolish to want to reduce the service time to be arbitration-eligible from three years to two. “Owners will simply non-tender more players and the free agent market will be flooded, which will erode the economic power of all but the most premium of players.”

He believes the union and other team owners should concentrate on the six or so teams that refuse to spend money and are profitable simply by taking their pro rata share of television rights and merchandise licensing fees. He feels raising the minimum player salary significantly would encourage teams to retain veteran players instead of replacing them with cheaper minor leaguers Q who may not be ready for “the show.”

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

Queens Library vaccinations Three Queens Library locations are participating in a citywide series of pediatric Covid-19 vaccinations on select Saturdays through Feb. 19.

The free shots will be offered by the NYC Test & Trace Corps.

The shots will be available for child ren ages 5 to 11 du r i ng each library’s regular business hours, with a break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in each session.

The Laurelton Library, located at 134-26 225 St., will offer the shots from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 8, Jan. 15 and Jan. 22.

The East Elmhurst Librar y, at 95-06 Astoria Blvd., will have shots from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19.

The Peninsula Library, a 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Rockaway Beach, will offer shots from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 8, Jan. 15 and Jan. 22.

All three librar y branches are wheelchair-accessible.

Further information on vaccinations for children and teenagers is available online f rom New York State health off icials at Q on.ny.gov/30BlDjw.

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

Background check bill dies

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 26

C M SQ page 26 Y K

Casino at Willets Point a possiblity

NYS Gaming Commission sent out requests for information

by Sophie Krichevsky

on that right now.”

Back in 2011, the team’s former The New York State Gaming owners, the Wilpons family and Saul Commission completed its call for Katz, also proposed building a casino request for information from players just west of Citi Field, on land that is in the Willets Point area on Dec. 10, legally parkland. Since then, several regarding the potential licensing of a projects have been proposed in the area, including a soccer stadium, casino in the neighborhood.

Although the project is quite a numerous apartments and a shopping ways off from being proposed, the mall. In 2017, however, the New York RFIs suggests some serious move- State Court of Appeals ruled that the ment, according to Whitestone activ- land could not be used for that kind of development. The Mets have a ist Robert LoScalzo.

Among those who responded to limited exception to the rule; since the RFI are a variety of local politi- 1961, the organization has had a cians, organizations and businesses, long-term lease of the land from many of whom have expressed dis- Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The land in question, then, is that content with the possibility of a casito the east of Citi Field, given that it no on Willets Point.

The path to the current juncture is does not have the same level of protwo-pronged: It is the culmination tection. Currently, that land is zoned Like many proposals before it, the possibilty of a casino at Willets Point has both of efforts to build a third casino as C4-4, which does not allow for residents, politicians and business owners. downstate and a continuous push to casinos.

To change that would require a Point Task Force, and has been deep- the property and the building where build in Willets Point.

In 2013, New York state voters Uniform Land Use Review Proce- ly involved in the effort to build our business has successfully operatapproved a constitutional amendment dure, which would allow for public affordable housing there. It’s no sur- ed for 88 years.”

Of chief concern is also the traffic to allow for seven new casinos to be hearings on the matter; the decision prise, then, that he opposes the potenbuilt across the state. Initially, howev- itself would be left to the City Coun- tial casino. “We are opposed to any- that a Willets Point casino might thing that could be cause. As LoScalzo told the Chronier, only four would be built, all of cil — with input built that interferes cle, Exit 13D off the Whitestone which were required to be upstate. from the borough with the two plans Expressway is the only way for cars Only later would three additional p r e s i d e n t a n d ou can’t in approved by the to enter the area. “If there are more affected communiones be allowed to go up downstate.

Point task than half a dozen vehicles there at The possibility of a casino being ty boards. Commugood faith want Willets force — including any given time, it backs up onto the built in northeast Queens specifically nity Board 7 would the historic project Whitestone Expressway,” he added. has been seriously discussed as early have jurisdiction. that for your Jennifer Shannon, president of the that will bring the Such an effort as January 2021, when it was noted community.” deepest levels of A Better College Point Civic Associin a Gaming Commission study. would further be affordability with ation, cited traffic congestion as one Meanwhile, New York Mets owner complicated by the — We Love Whitestone the 1,100 units of of several reasons the association Steven Cohen is said to have been in fact that 1,100 Civic Association affordable hous- opposes a potential casino. conversations with casino and resort affordable housing President Al Centola “If [the Mets] have a game at Citi ing,” he said in a company Las Vegas Sands about put- units have been prepared statement. Field, you can’t move. You can’t get ting up a gaming center near Citi slated to go up there since 2018; the city finally “I encourage my colleagues at the off the highway, you’re rerouted. It’s Field.

When asked for confirmation on began environmental cleanup earlier state level to ensure that the state ridiculous,” she said. “You have the doesn’t grant licenses for projects U.S. Open, it turns into that. So now that, a senior communications offi- this year in preparation.

Councilmember Fransisco Moya that may impact our most vulnerable we’re going to add a casino into that cial in the Mets organization said, mix?”

“No, I can’t, I don’t have any details (D-Corona) is co-chair of the Willets families.”

According to Al Centola, presiState Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside) was concerned about the “potential dent and founding member of We displacement” a casino at Willets Love Whitestone Civic Association, Point might cause. “[A casino is] a the possibility of adding ramps off very big ‘if’ at this point,” he said. “It the Van Wyck Expressway has been doesn’t seem like Willets Point would floated. He does not think that is sufficient. be a great place to put a casino.”

“None of the ramps that were proLiu is not the only one worried about displacement; in their response posed initially would be able to hanto the Gaming Commission’s RFI, dle and divert the traffic,” he said.

One public official who is not Jack and Jake Bono, owners of Bono Sawdust Supply Co., fear that the against a casino is incoming City state may drive out businesses in Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), though it is unclear if order to build the casino.

“We believe a casino project in she supports one at Willets Point this area will trigger all-out mischief specifically.

According to Benjamin Fang, by the state, including eminent domain abuse and other egregious Adams’ director of communications tactics to forcibly remove businesses and legislative affairs, Resorts World and property owners to obtain our is interested in applying for the The two possible locations for a Willets Point casino are the parkland west of Citi land,” they wrote in their response to license upon its opening.

In her response to the Gaming the RFI. “We have no plan to leave IMAGE COURTESY ROBERT LOSCALZO Field and the area east of the stadium.

Associate Editor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

“Y

been met with much animosity from PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAIN

Commission’s RFI, she cites Resorts World Casino New York City, located in South Ozone Park, a positive contributor “to the economic and social fabric of our borough.”

“They have been really good neighbors,” Fang said, summarizing Adams’ response to the RFI. “We believe that they should have more opportunities to expand economic development.”

Adams also highlighted Resort World’s employment of over 1,000 unionized workers in her letter, many of whom, she noted, are women and people of color.

To Shannon, the promise of jobs does not outweigh the consequences she believes a Willets Point casino would bring.

“Let’s just face it: Anyone that’s been to Las Vegas, or Atlantic City, you just drive a few blocks away from all the glittery lights, we all know what you’re going to see — you see impoverished, drug addicted folks. It’s just not a good thing,” Shannon said. “People think, ‘Oh, a casino! The glitter, the lights, there’ll be so much fun! [And] jobs!’ And at that moment in the casino, maybe things are great. But in the end, it’ll just be a disaster for people that are already struggling.”

“There have been studies upon studies showing the negative impacts casinos have on communities,” Centola agreed. “You can’t in good faith want that in your community, or any community for that matter.”

According to LoScalzo, the Gaming Commission is required to provide the governor and Legislature with a report documenting its findings within six months of closing Q responses to the RFI.

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

Where to say

‘good riddance’ to 2021 in Queens

by Deirdre Bardolf

continued on page 29

For the latest news visit qchron.com

We are ready to kick 2021 to the curb and although traditional New Year’s events may still be up in the air and “Covid-permitting” — the caveat of the decade — it does not hurt to plan celebrations in advance.

If the iconic Times Square festivities are not for you this year, or end up canceled, there are plenty of other ways to ring in 2022 all weekend long across Queens.

Parties, galas and dinners will be taking place at Verdi’s in Whitestone, Vetro and Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, Villa Russo in Richmond Hill and Antun’s in Queens Village.

Party at Verdi’s from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for $150 a person with a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner and open bar.

Vetro will host a party for groups from 7:30 p.m. till 2 a.m. for $185 per person as well as dinner reservations from 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. till 1 a.m. for $90 a person.

Party like it is 1922 at the Roaring Russo’s bash for $250 with a cocktail hour, open bar, dancers and more.

Villa Russo will host two separate events for the whole family: one from 9 p.m. till 1 a.m. with a DJ, open bar, pasta, dessert and valet parking for $85 for adults and $42 for kids, and another, the Black and White Ball, from 8 p.m. till 1 a.m., which includes an 11-item cocktail hour, salad, pasta, an entree, a DJ, champagne toast, premium open bar and valet for $135 per adult and $65.50 per kid.

Antun’s will have an event for those over 21 from 9 p.m. till 3 a.m. featuring an international smorgasbord, themed cocktail stations, photo booths, hats, noisemakers and more for $160 per person. It will also have a pre-New Year’s Eve luncheon for seniors at noon.

Toast 2022 with festivities at bars and clubs throughout the borough. Austin Public in Forest Hills will have an NYE party with no cover charge, DJs, a complimentary midnight toast and party favors.

Nowadays in Ridgewood will host a notop party all weekend, running for at least 48 hours until Sunday with a packed lineup of DJs. The kitchen will be

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

December 23, 2021

C M SQ page 27 Y K

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 28

C M SQ page 28 Y K

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Bay Terrace’s Belfort was hungry like the wolf — for cash

ACROSS

1 Earring site 5 Smack 8 Blog entry 12 Regrettably 13 Fuss 14 “May It Be” singer 15 Dealer’s foe 16 Moving-day rental 17 Aviation prefix 18 Energetic person 20 Galley supply 22 Strikers’ queue 26 Manhandled 29 Chemical suffix 30 Hobbyist’s abbr.

31 Rue the run 32 German conjunction 33 Lavish party 34 -- Paulo 35 Fuel stat 36 Devil’s domain 37 Playgoer’s souvenir 40 Writer Quindlen 41 Short jacket 45 Gambling game 47 Jay follower 49 San --, Italy 50 Help a crook 51 Hosp. sections 52 Author Sheehy 53 Striped fish 54 Perched 55 Deco artist

DOWN

1 Crow’s-nest cry 2 Skin care brand

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

3 Hoedown site 4 Jailbreak participant 5 Mayhem 6 Greek mountain 7 Ad nauseam 8 Oyster’s prize 9 Biased 10 Aleppo’s land (Abbr.)

11 Eastern “way” 19 Central

21 Consumed 23 Monarchs 24 Evening, in an ad 25 Peepers 26 Bygone days 27 Exotic berry 28 “So what?”

32 Chimney pipes 33 Maker of ornate eggs 35 Gents

36 Coloration 38 Shoelace woes 39 Secret rendezvous 42 Dread 43 Send forth 44 Portrayal 45 “Terrif!”

46 Lawyers’ gp.

48 Altar constellation

Jacob “Jack” Belfort was born on July 26, 1902 in Bialystok, Russia. He came with his parents and sister, Lena, to Ellis Island on June 6, 1906, settling in Jersey City, NJ. In 1930, he married Ann Brody in Jersey City.

Their only child, son Maxwell, was born on July 5, 1931. Around 1937, the family moved to the Bronx, where Jack found work as an elevator operator.

Son Max became an accountant and married 22-year-old Leah Markowitz, daughter of a upholsterer from Lithuania, in 1955.

They were blessed with a son, Robert, completing the family. In 1961, Leah was pregnant again and the family left the Bronx and moved to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a brand-new co-op building at 211-40 18 Ave. in Bay Terrace. A second son, Jordan Ross Belfort, was born on July 9, 1962. He would become infamous.

An ordinary young man who got a degree in biology and was going to school to become a dentist suddenly changed into an aggressive wild stockbroker. Jordan became rich beyond his wildest dreams but drugs

The childhood home of the “Wolf of Wall Street,” Jordan Belfort, at 211-40 18 Ave. in Bay Terrace, as it looks today, just as it did when it was built in 1961.

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET VIA YOUTUBE / TAI LOPEZ

and greed got the better of him. Convicted and sent to prison, he successfully turned his life around becoming a motivational speaker helping others achieve success legally. His childhood home still looks pristine after 60 years. The apartment above his parents’, with the same layout, is listed on the market Q today for $318,000. A wise investment.

Answers on next page

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by Naeisha Rose Associate Editorr

Dec. 26 marks the start of the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday that was conceived in 1966.

The holiday started a year after a riot broke out in the Black Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles that left 34 dead, 1,000 injured and $40 million in property damage after a parking stop escalated into a fight between a Black driver and a white police officer, according to History.com. Many believed the unrest occurred because of the longstanding tension between police and residents.

Church representatives, local government leaders and the NAACP worked together to calm the riots, which broke out on Aug. 11, 1965 and lasted for six days, according to History.com. The creation of Kwanzaa, by Maulana Karenga, the former chair of Black Studies at California State University at Long Beach, was to help African-American families recenter themselves around community and culture via seven African principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (selfdetermination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

Helping to maintain that tradition within

her own household and for other families is book seller Tracy Gambles, the founder of Tracy Gambles Children’s Books, a diverse collection of literature that features Black and brown main characters and multicultural authors.

“Now that I am a parent, I try to include my 11-year old daughter in that effort as well,” said Gambles, a Jamaica resident.

“Today I celebrate Christmas secularly, but I have always appreciated that Kwanzaa is a cultural, rather than religious, holiday. In that way, it can be embraced by many people, which is in keeping with its pan-African roots.”

Two books that she reads to her daughter and that she has sold at various pop-up events are “Seven Candles for Kwanzaa” by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, and “Together for Kwanzaa”

by Juwanda Ford and illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger.

Both books teach children about the holiday and the principles surrounding it.

“The creation and endurance of Kwanzaa is one of the many ways that people of African heritage demonstrate our ingenuity, self-determination and creativity,” said Gambles. “It is all of a piece with our contributions to other aspects of existence including art, business, sport, entertainment,

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

Preserving Kwanzaa for the next generation

Tracy Gambles, a curator, preserves the tradition of Kwanzaa through literature via her multicultural collection of books, including “Seven Candles for Kwanzaa” and “TogethPHOTO COURTESY TRACY GAMBLES er for Kwanzaa,” which she reads to her daughter. medicine. Kwanzaa is a yearly reminder that as a people, we are potent creators.”

Gambles, 47, has celebrated Kwanzaa since her late teens and aims to attend an event every year.

This year Your Queens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about pan-African history through storytelling, song and

dance, will host its fifth annual Kwanzaa celebration at Linden Studio, located at 18717 Linden Blvd. in St. Albans, from 4 to 7 p.m.

To sign up for the Dec. 26 event, guests can RSVP at yourqueens.com or eventbrite. com. To watch virtually, guests can go to Q the Your Queens YouTube channel.

Start 2022 off on the right foot: dancing or running

Crossword Answers

For some laughs to ring in the new year, the performing arts theater Q.E.D. in Astoria will have two comedy shows on New Year’s Eve with several comedians. The first is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $25. The second starts at 10 p.m. and attendees will ring in the new year together with a champagne toast and a live stream of the ball drop for $30. After Dec. 25, tickets for both cost $5 more.

Keep the party going on New Year’s Day with an exclusive and formal daytime event at Kiss Nightclub in Richmond Hill from noon to 6 p.m. There will be a gourmet brunch menu, DJs, hookah and more. Tickets will be available as long as Kiss can ensure Covid protocols are maintained. Limited early bird tickets including food will be $50 and for premium food and drinks they cost $140. Text (516) 900-4490 for questions and information on bottle service.

Trade in your dancing shoes for running shoes to kick off a fitness-focused New Year’s resolution. On Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. a 5k run and walk at Queens Museum will travel through Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It costs $35 in advance or $40 on race day. Proceeds will go to the Never Stop

Parties, performances, marathons and more will ring in the new year around Queens.

PEXELS.COM On the cover: It’s time to clock out.

Running Foundation. Runners will receive a T-shirt and need a headlamp to run.

On New Year’s Day, the Sri Chinmoy scenic half marathon will also run through FMCP passing by the Unisphere, the Queens Zoo and more, followed by a pancake breakfast. All finishers get a medal

and shirt.

Hike the Overlook in Forest Park on New Year’s Day. Dress warm, wear hiking shoes and get a tour from an Urban Park Ranger.

Check each venue’s website, social media and Eventbrite for details, contact information, tickets and Covid updates. Cheers! Q

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 27 open select hours and breakfast will be offered with the sunrise. Tickets are sold in tiers by time and range from $20 to $60 and there is a two-ticket purchase maximum. The space offers a backyard, fire pits and heated yurts.

The Ridgewood art and performance space Knockdown Center will have a lineup of DJs for those 21 and up starting at 9 p.m. on NYE and tickets range from $99 to $145.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 30

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46

C M SQ page 31 Y K

Help Wanted

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Legal Notices

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Notice of Formation of 429 Property LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon (SSNY) on 11/16/21. Office on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper. location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it Notice of Formation of may be served. SSNY shall mail 22-61 26TH STREET REALTY LLC process to: 133-14 39th Ave., Articles of Organization were filed Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: with the Secretary of State of New any lawful activity.

Legal Notices

York (SSNY) on 03/01/2016. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-61 26TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Used Compact Disks (CDs) CLASSIC ROCK from 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s Certified Teacher will tutor 90’s. Call 347-730-6360 remotely or in person, in Math, Science, Social Studies & SATs, very reasonable, 718-763-6524 LOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, high-end & brand name jewelry— top price paid, costume jewelry, Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a furn, records, silver, coins, art, car today! The benefits of donating stamps, comics, oriental items. your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup— Call George, 718-386-1104 or 24hr Response Tax Deduction— 917-775-3048 Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755 PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNIPrice Guarantee! $59.99/mo with TURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, 190 channels and 3 months free COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES premium movie channels! Free next (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), day installation! Call 888-508-5313 FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, DISH TV $64.99 for 190 Channels CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, + $14.95 High Speed Internet. STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGFree Installation, Smart HD DVR URINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTIncluded, Free Voice Remote. INGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, Some restrictions apply. Promo GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, Expires 1/21/22. 1-888-609-9405 TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS

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Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

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FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-492-6084 Made in the USA

This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. Offer expires October 1st 2021. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, prerecorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register.

Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance. com. All rights reserved.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

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Real Estate

PUBLIC NOTICE: In accordance with the New York State and Federal laws, it is the policy at the Forest Hills Care Center, 71-44 Yellowstone Blvd., Forest Hills, NY to admit and treat all patients without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or source of payment.

Notice of formation of FANTOM TRUCKING LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/01/21.

Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 9106 212th Pl, Queens Village, NY, 11428. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Notice of Formation of OPTIMAL CLEANING DELUXE SERVICES, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/01/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ANGEL J. COLON. 7802 46 AVENUE, ELMHURST, NY 11373.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of AMH Luxury Consulting LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/19/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: REGISTERED AGENTS INC., 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40, ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of GODS OF ROCK LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 10/13/2021. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to PO BOX 800085 Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

SETH BENKEL MD QUEENS

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

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

Notice of Formation of DEWAN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT & RENOVATION SERVICE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: DEWAN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT & RENOVATION SERVICE LLC, 110-26A 172ND STREET, FLOOR 1, JAMAICA, NY 11433. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of META WORLD LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/11/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: META WORLD LLC, 13101 40TH RD, APT 15D, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TRISKEL CLEANING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/28/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 32-19 98TH ST., E. ELMHURST, NY 11369.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DIG AND BE DUG PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2021.

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: GARRETT TURNER. 31-40 30TH ST., APT B1, ASTORIA, NY 11106.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Mommy Scoreboard L.L.C. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/08/2021. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: MOMMY SCOREBOARD L.L.C., 194 BEACH 62ND ST., ARVERNE, NY 11692. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of WINV, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/16/21. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 7806 269th St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Trading

ETHEREAL HEALING ARTS GROUP, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/13/21.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 207-14 Melissa Court, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NEWTON CREEK PRODUCTIONS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/22/2021.

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: EZIAH SYED, 1-50 50TH AVENUE #1129, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of YERBA BUENA NYC, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Brandon Reed, 96-20 Northern Blvd., Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PLLC. Filed 10/25/2021.

Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 184-41 JAMAICA

TUDOR

ROAD,

ESTATES,

Apts.For Rent Bushwick, 1124 Greene Ave, #2. 4

NY BR/1.5 bath, $2,900/mo. Avail

11432. Purpose: medicine.

NOW. Very lg apt w/skylight, balcony, deck, renov kit w/SS appli, closets in every room. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty Lindenwood, 84-27 149th Ave, #1. 2 BR/1 bath, $2,400/mo. Avail Now. Both BRs have closets, renov kit, parking space. Call Stellina Napolitano, 646-372-7145. Capri Jet Realty Maspeth, 70-08 58th Rd #2. 2 BR/1 bath, $2,400/mo. Avail NOW. Fully renov, huge pvt balcony, parking spot, central AC, SS, dishwasher, granite countertops. Call Agnes Siedlik, 917-288-0660.

Capri Jet Realty

Co-ops For Sale Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Garden Co-op, 2 BR, 1 bath, formal DR, 2nd fl washing machine permitted. Low Maint.—25% D.P. Req. Asking $255K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Lindenwood, completely renov co-op. Mint AAA, 2 BR, 2 baths, bright corner unit.

Custom wood cabinets w/under counter lighting & granite countertops, SS appli & high hats. Lg foyer w/3 closets, lg MBR w/walkin closet & ensuite. Recently renov lobby & new elevator. Must see! Asking $329,999. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Mint JR 4 Co-op. All updated. No wait for parking. Asking $249K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Lovely 1 BR Co-Op converted from studio. Low maintenance.

Asking $159K. Connexion Real Estate, 718-845-1136

C M SQ page 33 Y K

BLUE BOOK: The Official 2022 Queens Directory publishing on

January 27, 2022

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

Our Annual

The Queens Chronicle will publish a Blue Book featuring

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT QUEENS including:

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RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 34

C M SQ page 34 Y K Brooklyn & Queens Real Estat e Experts!

Howard Beach e Real Estat Experts!

Located in WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhood.

We have Qualified International Buyers.

69 Bay 11th Street, Bath Beach Double Lot 3 Family w/ 2 Private Driveways & 2 Car Garages! $2,199,000

98-09 32nd Avenue, East Elmhurst Renovated Brick 2 Family w/ Garage & Backyard! $1,299,000

5631 Metropolitan Ave., Ridgewood Mixed Use Brick 1 Family + Store w/ Full Basement & Backyard! $1,269,000

151 Kingsland Avenue, Greenpoint Corner Brick 2 Family in Prime Greenpoint! $1,450,000

217 Java Street, Greenpoint 2 Family w/ Full Bsmnt & Backyard! Can be sold together w/ 215 Java St! $1,695,000

215 Java Street, Greenpoint 2 Family w/ Full Bsmnt & Backyard! Can be sold together w/ 217 Java St! $1,670,000

60-75 67th Ave., Ridgewood Brick 2 Family w/ Full Finished Basement & Backyard! $1,042,000

43-07 31st Avenue, Astoria Brick 8 Family w/ Full Basement & Backyard! $2,249,000

163-33 95th Street, Howard Beach Renovated Single Family w/ Full Finished Basement! $719,999

161-52 95th Street, Howard Beach Gorgeous Mariner’s Dream Home on the Water! $1,999,999

55-19 Metropolitan Avenue, Maspeth Gorgeous Corner Brick 3 Family w/ Store and 2 Car Garage! $1,890,000

110-25 172nd Street, St. Albans Renovated Brick 2 Family w/ Backyard & Private Parking! $680,000

77-29 62nd Street, Glendale Corner Brick 1 Family w/ Finished Basement & Backyard! $825,000

430 61st Street, Sunset Park Brick 16 Family! Great Investment property!

Perfect for 1031 Exchange! $3,500,000

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

CAPJ-079831

For the latest news visit qchron.com

NOW HIRING REAL ESTATE AGENTS!

www.CapriJetRealty.com 533 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211

✔ We hire selectively ✔ We train & coach extensively ✔ We market aggressively ✔ We reward handsomely

RECRUITING/CAREER SEMINAR: January 5th, 2022 (11:30 - 2:3O PM) Inquire in confidence for details

CALL TODAY TO JOIN THE WINNING TEAM! – 30 Day Paid Training Period! –

Thinking of Listing, call anyone. Thinking of Selling, Call Us! Call Today for a FREE over the phone CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) O: 347-450-3577 info@CapriJetRealty.com

C M SQ page 35 Y K

To Everyone In Our Community, Friends & Neighbors Thank you for your referrals, your business and our continued success.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a New Year filled with love, laughter and prosperity!

Dear Clients, Associates, Friends & Neighbors:

©2021 M1P • DENR-080077

During this holiday season, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have made 2021 a profitable, successful and record-breaking year!

Century 21 Amiable Realty Group II has been serving the community of Howard Beach for the past 25 years and the community of Glendale for the past 9 years. Our two offi ces together have been able to service all of Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County. No matter what area you are interested in, we are here to help you. As members of several multiple listing services and with state-of-the-art technology, we can better service all of our clients.

It has been my pleasure to bring to all my clients, a professional and knowledgeable sales staff, a friendly and helpful offi ce staff to meet all of your real estate and fi nancial needs.

Together with my entire staff, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Blessed New Year fi lled with Love, Health, Wealth, A New Home, and above all Happiness.

Patricia “Patty” DeNiro Real Estate Broker

(917) 892-9558

Joanne DiMaggio

John DeNiro

Real Estate Salesperson

Real Estate Salesperson

(917) 584-1916

(516) 250-0861

Interested in Selling? We are a small, boutique fi rm established in 2008. We off er national and interna�ionalsyndication and marketing tools that rival the largest fi rms.

Call us for a complimentary market analysis. We’d love to have the opportunity to work with you.

Best Wishes, Anne Marie Chirichigno Owner/Broker And the Sales Associates and Staff!

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

www.denirorealty.com

Connexion (Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

ARLENE A PACCHIANO

Get Your House

SOLD!

718-845-1136

Broker/Owner

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

CONNEXIONREALESTATE.COM

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK NEW LISTING!

HI-RANCH

$949K

HOWARD BEACH

718-628-4700

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH Mint Colonial 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Brick / Stucco, Full Basement, In-Ground Pool with Pavers

Coming Soon!

Asking $938K

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OP FOR SALE Mint JR 4 Co-op, All Updated.

No Waiting For Parking

Asking $249K

Triple Diamond Hi-Ranch, Both Floors in Beautiful All New Condition S.S. Appliances with Quartz Counters.

Nothing To Do! PLEASE CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING 718-845-1136

HOWARD BEACH HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD Completely renovated Co-op Mint AAA, 2 BR, 2 Baths, Bright Corner Unit, Custom Wood Cabinets with Under Counter Lighting & Granite Countertops Stainless Steel Appliances & High Hats, 2 New Baths, Bali Wood Blinds, lg. Foyer with 3 Closets, lg. Master BR with Walk-in Closet & Ensuite Recently Renovated Lobby & New Elevator - MUST SEE!

MASPETH

WOODHAVEN

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD

LOVELY 1 BEDROOM CO-OP Converted from studio.

Low maintenance.

Asking $159K

Asking $899K HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD Garden Co-op

2 BR, 1 Bath with Formal Dining Room, 2nd Floor Washing Machine Permitted.

Low Maint. - 25% D.P. Required

Asking $255K

Asking $329,999

REDONE MINT Mint AAA Cape - This Lovely fully detached 1 family with high Beautiful Home was reColonial in the heart of ceilings, 3 bedrooms, cently redone. Featuring Woodhaven. 3 BRs, 1 ½ 3 baths on 42x100 lot, radiant heated fl oors. baths, custom closets open concept, living room, Open fl oor plan, kitchen formal dining room with granite countertops & stainless steel ! appliances, renovated T! CT AC bathrooms with whirlpool tub, washer/dryer on fi rst fl oor, new RA TR T N N plumbing & electric, new pavers & concrete, new roof & gutters, CO CO IN IN 3 zone heating, 1 car garage, solar panels for lower electric bills

Asking $880K $ 880K 0

GLENDALE

718-835-4700

FREE

Market Evaluation 718-845-1136

HIRING REAL ESTATE AGENTS Call for confidential interview

917-796-6024 High splits for experienced agents

For the latest news visit qchron.com

4 BR, 3 Baths, 2 Fireplaces, Semi-in-ground Pool. 44x114 Lot. Move in Condition!

HOWARD BEACH

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays To All!

REAL ESTATE

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach

Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021

Merry Christmas 2021

FREE DELIVERY For All SENIOR CITIZENS

Your neighborhood market since 1937 FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS.

Sale Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dates 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PHONE ORDERS GLADLY ACCEPTED

Holiday $avings!

FREE

50-Pack Masks 3-ply With $40 Purchase

With this coupon. Expires 12/30/21. Limit One per family.

“It’s not our intention to please a customer or to satisfy them, our intention is to amaze them”

102-02 101 st AVE. • OZONE PARK • 718-849-8200 FREE CUSTOMER PARKING (Across The Street)

We Accept All Major Credit Cards WIC - EBT

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sun. 8 am to 9 pm

KEYF-080001

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, December 23, 2021 Page 36

C M SQ page 36 Y K

We reserve the right to limit quantities to one can or package on sale items. Items offered for sale are not available in case lots. Alcoholic beverages may not be available in all locations.

We are not responsible for typographical errors. Some Items Not Available in all Locations.