Queens Gazette

I On Politics


 

MURDER CHARGES FOR STABBING OF FDNY EMS WORKER: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Oct. 6 that Peter Zisopoulos, 34, has been indicted by a Queens County grand jury and arraigned in Supreme Court on murder and other charges for the killing of Alison Russo-Elling, a 25-year veteran of the FDNY Emergency Medical Services, who was posthumously promoted to rank of Captain. The defendant allegedly approached the victim near EMS Station 49 in Astoria on September 29, knocked her to the ground, and stabbed her repeatedly before fleeing the scene.

District Attorney Katz said, “This is a tragic case and a devastating loss for the family as well as our City. FDNY EMS Captain Alison Russo-Elling spent her 25-year career helping others in their time of need. Now, her family mourns her passing because, as alleged, the defendant brutally stabbed Ms. Russo-Elling to death near her workstation in Astoria. Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues that she leaves behind. The defendant has been indicted on murder charges and faces justice in our courts.”

Zisopoulos, of 20th Avenue in Astoria, was arraigned via video from Bellevue Hospital before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant on a two-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Judge Pandit-Durant set the next court date for November 29. Zisopoulos faces up to 25 years-to-life in prison, if convicted.

According to the charges, on September 29, at approximately 2:10 p.m., the victim was in uniform and on-duty, walking down 20th Avenue, between 41st and Steinway Streets, when the defendant took a knife out of his pocket, approached the victim, and attacked her without provocation. When the victim fell to the ground, the defendant allegedly stabbed her over a dozen times before fleeing the scene. The incident was captured on video surveillance and there is no indication that the two were known to each other prior to the attack.

Subsequently, District Attorney Katz said defendant Zisopoulos ran to a nearby residential building where he barricaded himself inside his third-floor apartment. A short time later, members of the NYPD’s hostage negotiating team and emergency service unit were able to talk to the suspect and had him surrender without further altercation.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead as a result of the injuries sustained from the attack.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

HOLD DRINKING WATER POLLUTERS ACCOUNTABLE: Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.8763A/A.9824A) on Oct. 5 allowing local water authorities to take legal action against drinking water polluters for claims that were previously barred due to the statute of limitations. Local water authorities may generally only file legal claims against companies within three years of when misconduct or contamination occurred.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean, safe and affordable drinking water,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, which gives local water suppliers another avenue to take action against polluters and recover the costs of treatment or filtration, we are making sure that we not only hold these companies accountable but also prioritize the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers.”

Legislation (S.8763A/A.9824A) allows public water suppliers to revive any action, civil claim, or cause of action involving an emerging contaminant that may have been barred because the statute of limitations had expired. This allows local water authorities to pursue actions against polluters to recover the costs of treatment and filtration as a result of contamination.

The new law gives providers up to a year and a half from today to bring actions against polluters for claims that may otherwise be barred under the statute of limitations. In addition, the legislation defines an emerging contaminant as meaning any physical, chemical, microbiological or radiological substance that is identified or listed as an emerging contaminant in public health or any other law.

MTA TO INSTALL ABLE CAMERAS ON BUSES: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced an additional 300 buses across nine routes in Staten Island, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn will have automated bus lane enforcement (ABLE) cameras by the end of the year to capture drivers violating busway and bus lane rules in real-time. The first ABLE cameras from this latest deployment will be rolled out today on the Q44 Select Bus Service (SBS) route. ABLE cameras are an essential tool to keep bus lanes clear of vehicles and buses on schedule for more consistent and reliable service.

Currently, there are 123 buses equipped with ABLE cameras on seven routes across Brooklyn and Manhattan. The latest installment of cameras will expand the bus enforcement technology to all boroughs and cover approximately 50% of bus lane miles across the city.

The MTA and New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) have agreed to expand camera enforcement to cover up to 85% of existing bus lanes by the end of 2023. To reach that goal, the MTA plans to add 600 new cameras by the end of 2023. NYCDOT’s fixed cameras will work in concert with these bus cameras to reduce the number of illegal cars and other vehicles in bus lanes.

“Improving the bus network must be at the top of the MTA agenda,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We have made tremendous progress over the last few years with new strategies designed to speed up our buses, and now we are doubling down by using technology to clear out bus lanes so MTA buses can keep moving.”

“We have seen how effective ABLE cameras are on the existing bus lanes,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “Based on our recent customer survey, wait time and service reliability are two very important factors for our customers. Bus service delivery has been above 95% for the past 3 months. With the installation of these ABLE cameras, customers who travel on these routes can look forward to a faster commute.”

“Increasing bus speeds is a win for all New Yorkers, and bus lane cameras are an incredibly effective tool to keep lanes clear and change driver behavior,” said New York City Transit Department of Buses Senior Vice President Frank Annicaro. “We hear from our customers and Bus Operators all the time that buses get stuck in traffic due to vehicles blocking our lanes. So, if you’re a motorist, consider this your warning: bus lanes are for buses. Avoiding a ticket is easy, just stay out of the bus lane.”

The remaining routes will be rolled out as follows: S79 SBS, Bx12 SBS, Bx41 SBS, Bx19, Q43, B62, B25, and B42. Locations were determined to maximize the length of bus lanes covered, balance distribution between boroughs, address some of the newer bus lanes, and incorporate input from the MTA and NYCDOT on known locations with issues.

Each bus lane corridor will have signage indicating the hours that the bus lanes are operable, and warning motorists that the lanes are camera-enforced, as the existing bus lane corridors have. NYCDOT will issue warnings to motorists for the first 60 days, in accordance with State law, to ensure drivers are informed about the program before any fines are levied. Drivers who violate these rules during enforcement periods are subject to a summons, with fines beginning at $50 and escalating, for repeat offenders, up to $250.

ABLE camera systems capture license plate information, photos and videos, together with location and timestamp information. This information is then transmitted to NYCDOT for review and processing. The program is administered in partnership with NYCDOT and the New York City Department of Finance.

HOW TO GET FLU & NEW COVID BOOSTERS: The Health Department is urging New Yorkers to roll up (both of) their sleeves to protect themselves against COVID-19 and the flu. With updated bivalent boosters – that offer stronger protection against the omicron variant and sub-lineages – and flu season upon us, now is the perfect time to get both shots in a single appointment.

”As we head into the fall and winter seasons, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and influenza is to be up-to-date on your vaccinations,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “The flu vaccine has protected New Yorkers for decades and this is the perfect time of year to pair it with a COVID-19 booster shot if eligible.”

All New Yorkers 6 months and older should get a seasonal flu vaccine. New Yorkers 50 and older, children 6 months to 5 years, those with chronic conditions and pregnant people are at particular risk of serious outcomes from influenza. Every year, about 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. Flu vaccine lowers the risk of hospitalization and death due to flu.

Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster dose for everyone ages 5 years and older. The updated, bivalent COVID-19 boosters are more effective at protecting against the latest variants, and are available for all New Yorkers ages 12 and older, whose last COVID-19 vaccination was more than two months ago. While 80% of New Yorkers have completed their primary series of vaccination, only 40% have received an additional dose.

The Health Department is taking steps to promote the new boosters, launching a vaccination advertising campaign, engaging with providers, activating community partnerships and supporting work through the Public Health Corps.

New Yorkers can find a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster nearest them by using the City’s vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

A typical influenza season usually starts in the late fall and lasts throughout the spring. Since influenza activity can be unpredictable and influenza viruses can be found year-round, it is important to get the vaccine as early as possible, though it is never too late to be vaccinated. A flu vaccine is necessary each year because the vaccine provides protection for only one season.

For more on flu, including symptoms, vaccination events, and where to get vaccination go to the New York City Health Department’s influenza webpage: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/flu-seasonal.page

COVID-19 and influenza share many common symptoms, so it is important to get tested if you suspect you may have either illness as diagnosis can impact treatment.

It isn’t over yet is right. Daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter all just came down with a strong case of it.

‘COVID ISN’T OVER’: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released the following statement: “While public COVID-19 precautions may be relaxing, it’s still tremendously important to stay vigilant about virus transmission as we head into the colder months. Flu shots and updated omicron bivalent boosters are currently available, so we want to arm you (heh) with all the resources you’ll need to get yours.”

Ocasio-Cortez quoted the NYC Health Department: “All New Yorkers 6 months and older should get a seasonal flu vaccine. New Yorkers 50 and older, children 6 months to 5 years, those with chronic conditions and pregnant people are at particular risk of serious outcomes from influenza. Every year, about 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. Flu vaccine lowers the risk of hospitalization and death due to flu.

“Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster dose for everyone ages 5 years and older. The updated, bivalent COVID-19 boosters are more effective at protecting against the latest omicron sub-variants, and are available for all New Yorkers ages 12 and older, whose last COVID-19 vaccination was more than two months ago.” (NYC.gov)

From NY Health & Hospitals: “New Yorkers can find a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster nearest them by using the City’s Vaccine Finder (vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/?akid=3479.161434.38rdBo&rd=1&t=2). The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. In fact, it’s recommended! New York City is offering in-home Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to any City resident who is homebound and City residents 65 and older. Sign up for an in-home vaccination appointment (at forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home?akid=3479.161434.38rdBo&rd=1&t=3).

“To learn more about the COVID-19 booster, NYC Health & Hospitals put together a very helpful packet of frequently asked questions, which can also be found in Spanish and Chinese. Worried about cost? Don’t be – COVID-19 vaccines are free with no out of pocket costs to all New Yorkers regardless of insurance status. But if you have health coverage, they will bill your insurance, so you should bring your card to your appointment. Also be sure to bring some form of identification.”2

Ocasio-Cortez concluded, “Unfortunately, COVID-19 is something we have all had to learn to live with. It’s important we keep our communities safe with updated health resources as they become available. Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who also live in New York City. And as always, wearing masks and social distancing in public are highly recommended. The best defense against COVID-19 is prevention!”

OPPOSITION TO PLANNED RANDALL’S ISLAND ASYLUM CENTER: City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and the chair and members of the Council’s Immigration Committee expressed major concerns about the City’s plan to relocate its Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center from Orchard Beach to Randall’s Island. They cited the island’s similar environmental challenges, with flood risks in the middle of hurricane season and the exposure to increasingly colder weather exacerbated by being on the water surrounded by the East River. They urged Mayor Adams’ Administration to consider alternative indoor locations to more humanely provide emergency relief and intake services to people seeking asylum. Council members highlighted that there are approximately 10 large-scale hotels in Manhattan, which are currently closed and might offer indoor space to host intake and relief services for newly arriving asylum seekers. Staffing for these hotel-based relief centers could also offer opportunities for hotel workers, who lost their jobs in the closures, to return to work.

In addition, Council leaders also highlighted the urgent need for the City to act to implement solutions to reduce the lengthy stays in its homeless shelters that have historically strained the system. Permanent affordable housing with supportive services must be prioritized as the City faces a growing unhoused population. These solutions include reviewing closed hotels for conversion to supportive housing that can provide permanent affordable housing with supportive services for people to transition out of the City’s shelter system. In addition to the 10 large hotels, with room-counts ranging from 1,025 to 478, there are over 70 additional closed hotels – like the Gramercy Park Hotel – that could be assessed for conversion to supportive housing. The Council has cumulatively identified that there are over 15,000 such rooms across the city. The Times Square – a former hotel building acquired in 1991, which currently operates as a supportive housing site of over 650 units, can serve as a practical model. The site provides onsite supportive services for low-income and formerly homeless adults, people with mental health challenges, and New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. The expansion of supportive housing could help reduce homelessness and ensure New Yorkers in need of mental health and social services receive assistance to attain stability, addressing two different crises facing the city.

The Council also encouraged the City to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and pursue policy changes to facilitate the faster transition of people out of homeless shelters to reduce stress on the system that is necessitating emergency expansion of temporary shelters. These changes include improved access to CityFHEPS and supportive housing placements, and adequate staffing of key agency operations by:

  • Eliminating the rule that requires people to remain in the shelter system for 90 days before becoming eligible for the CityFHEPS rental voucher program;
  • Reducing the number of homeless families with children who are needlessly shuffled between conditional shelter placements by removing administrative barriers and advocating for the State to reevaluate verification requirements (families can be repeatedly required to return to the PATH Intake Center to reapply and be placed, promoting instability and unnecessarily extending the timeframe to access supports transitioning out of the shelter system);
  • Resolving bureaucratic errors and inefficiencies in the application process for CityFHEPS and supportive housing that block people from accessing the opportunities to transition from the shelter system;
  • Prioritizing hiring of Department of Social Services (DSS) staff who help process CityFHEPS applications and supportive housing placements, to both reduce backlogs that currently occur and prepare for an increase in applications;
  • Tackling source-of-income discrimination that blocks people with rental vouchers from securing apartments by ensuring adequate staffing and operational capacity of the Source of Income Unit at the Commission on Human Rights.

“Our city is grappling with a homelessness crisis exacerbated by an international emergency that we did not create, but demands effective and compassionate responses,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “While an emergency relief center providing more effective intake services for asylum seekers than the Port Authority makes sense, neither outdoor locations of Orchard Beach nor Randall’s Island are adequate. Given its own flood risks in the middle of hurricane season and colder temperatures from exposure to the East River as winter approaches, Randall’s Island is inconsistent with humanitarian relief. There are better options that New York City should explore to provide healthier and safer conditions for people who have already experienced so much trauma.

“It is also imperative to now fix longstanding issues in our approach to homeless services that keep people in temporary shelters longer than necessary and make us overly reliant on the shelter system,” continued Speaker Adams. “Inefficient policies and bureaucracy slow access to rental housing vouchers and supportive housing placements, which we need to focus on fixing to move people into available permanent housing. Our city also lacks affordable permanent housing stock that can partially be addressed by exploring practical conversions of unused properties to supportive housing. This is a crisis that does not come with easy solutions, but it is our collective responsibility to collaboratively confront it. The Council is committed to being a constructive partner to address these complex challenges, providing longtime unhoused New Yorkers and people seeking asylum with the support they deserve that can benefit us all. We can address many of the major challenges facing our city with a bold, forward-thinking approach that reduces homelessness, improves public health, and advances safer communities.”

ADAMS DECLARES ASYLUM SEEKER EMERGENCY: As New York City anticipates surpassing the highest recorded shelter census in recorded history on Oct. 7, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued Emergency Executive Order 224, formally directing all relevant city agencies to coordinate their efforts to respond to the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis and construct the city’s Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers. In an address, Mayor Adams also called for emergency federal and state aid to handle the continued influx of asylum seekers as the city projects costs of more than $1 billion related to asylum seekers in this fiscal year alone, as well as expedited work permits, a national decompression strategy, and a resettlement strategy.

With more than 17,000 asylum seekers bussed to the city since the spring, the Adams administration estimates that once the asylum seekers from the Oct. 7 buses are provided shelter, the city will surpass the highest number of people in recorded history in its shelter system. And every day going forward, where more are added this count, another record will be broken. If the pace continues, the city’s shelter census will surpass 100,000 in the coming year.

Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has, largely on its own, taken fast and urgent action, managing the arrival of a rapidly increasing number of buses across New York City with virtually no coordination from states sending them; opening 42 hotels as emergency shelters; standing up a navigation center to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolling over 5,500 children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and more. The city is opening at least one Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center to assist asylum seekers arriving with immediate needs and help them reach their final desired destination.

The city also announced additional measures it’s taking to accelerate the pace of moving long-term unhoused New Yorkers into permanent housing, as well as initiatives with faith-based and private sector partners to support asylum seekers in need.

12 YEARS FOR ASSAULTING OFFICER W/CROWBAR: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz today announced that Andres Tabares, 40, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on assault charges for striking a police officer with a crowbar causing severe physical injuries. Police officers were pursuing two defendants who were attempting to burglarize a home on April 16, 2019, in Kew Gardens, Queens when the assault took place. Co-defendant Marlon Morales Moreira, 32, was also charged in connection with the incident.

District Attorney Katz said, “This defendant caused severe and permanent damage to a police officer responding to an attempted burglary call. Such brazen attacks will not stand in Queens County. The defendant, who pleaded guilty to the crime in August, has now been held accountable and sentenced by the Court.”

Tabares, of 89th Street, Howard Beach, Queens pleaded guilty in August to assault in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Daniel Lewis who imposed today’s determinate sentence of 12 years in prison to be followed by 5 years post-release supervision. Defendant Morales Moreira, of 75th Street, of Woodhaven, Queens, has also been charged and is awaiting his next court date on October 12, 2022.

According to the charges, at approximately 9:40 p.m., on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, a 911 call was made from a man stating that he heard someone at his back door trying to break into his home. Police officers responded to the 59th Avenue address and spotted defendant Tabares along with defendant Morales Moreira. Both defendants immediately fled the scene in different directions and police officers gave chase. Police Officer Anthony Spinella pursued defendant Tabares on foot. As Officer Spinella caught up to Tabares he grabbed his shirt at which time defendant Tabares swung his arm around and hit Officer Spinella in the face with the crowbar he was holding.

District Attorney Katz said, as a result of the defendant’s actions the officer sustained serious physical injury to his left eye leaving him unable to perform his duties as a police officer. At the time of the defendant’s arrest, he stated in sum and substance that “it was a mistake” and that he was just “trying to get away.” Defendant Morales Moreira was apprehended without incident.

KILLED DIRT BIKE RIDER ON L.I.E: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jorge Serrano, 30, has been sentenced to 4 to 12 years in prison for striking and killing a 19-year-old man riding a dirt bike on the Long Island Expressway in September 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in Queens Supreme Court last month.

District Attorney Katz said, “In pleading guilty last month, the defendant admitted to causing the tragic death of a fellow motorist on a Queens highway. Rules of the road are not mere suggestions, but laws that exist to help keep everyone on the road safe. The defendant has now been held to account for not abiding by these laws and sentenced by the Court for his actions.”

Serrano, of Torrington, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide before Justice Ira Margulis on September 16, 2022. Justice Margulis sentenced the defendant to an indeterminate term of 4 to 12 years for aggravated vehicular homicide and a concurrent sentence of 2 1/3 to 7 years for vehicular assault in the first degree.

According to Court records, in the early morning hours of September 11, 2021, Serrano was driving westbound on the Long Island Expressway when he struck a moped and a dirt bike also headed westbound. After striking the dirt bike, the defendant’s vehicle dragged the victim Edwin Puma approximately 100 yards on the highway causing his death. Serrano then drove away from the scene of the accident. Additionally, a second victim – a 23-year-old man – who was the operator of the moped was taken to a Queens hospital for treatment of a broken left leg.

DA Katz said that after the collision, police officers found the defendant and his vehicle, approximately two miles from the scene of the crash, partially parked on the curb and partially in the middle of the crosswalk at Maspeth Avenue and 61st Street. At the time of his arrest, Serrano’s blood ethanol level was 0.16 which is two times the legal limit.

Department of Motor Vehicles records showed the defendant was driving without a valid license.

PLEAD GUILTY TO SEX TRAFFICKING MINORS: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Tyrone “Angel” Miles, 32, and Bryant “Dollaz” Lowery, 24, have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a child for forcing female victims to have sex with strangers for cash at the JFK Inn Hotel in Jamaica, Queens. An escape attempt by one of the trafficking victims in June 2020 revealed the defendants’ ongoing criminal activities.

District Attorney Katz said, “Holding accountable those who choose to torment and degrade their victims for profit is why our Human Trafficking Bureau is so important. In pleading guilty, these two defendants have accepted responsibility for forcing underage victims to perform sexual acts to line their own pockets. I commend the young complainants for their bravery, and both defendants will now face prison time as punishment for their criminal actions.”

Miles, 32, of 110th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking of a child yesterday before Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone, Jr. Lowery, 24, of 141st Avenue in Springfield Gardens, Queens, also pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a child and one count of sex trafficking before Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone, Jr.

Justice Vallone indicated that he will order Miles to serve 7 years in jail followed by 10 years post-release supervision and Lowey to serve 6 years in jail followed by 10 years post-release supervision at sentencing on November 16, 2022. The defendants will also be required to register as sex offenders.

A third defendant Khalil Fryer pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sex trafficking in April 2021 and is currently serving a sentence of five years in prison and will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to Court records, defendants Miles and Lowery held two victims, ages 16 and 17 years, at the JFK Inn Hotel on South Conduit Avenue in Jamaica, Queens between June 5, 2020 and June 12, 2020 and threatened them with physical harm unless they participated in sexual acts in exchange for money. Defendant Miles threatened to kill the 16-year-old if she did not comply and instructed her to tell customers she was an adult. The defendants kept the girls in separate rooms at the motel to meet customers paying for sex. The defendants monitored the victims in the motel room to prevent them from leaving and collected all the money. The 16-year old was able to escape when defendant Miles briefly left her alone and she fled to a commercial establishment and contacted her family.

Continuing, defendants Fryer and Lowery held another victim, aged 19, against her will at the same hotel beginning June 19, 2020. The victim appealed to a customer for help and managed to escape from her hotel room. Defendant Fryer tracked down the victim, forced her into a car then punched and kicked her in retaliation for leaving. On the following day, one of the victims was able to flag down a police officer for assistance.

$9 MILLION IN HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS: Governor Kathy Hochul announced $9 million in federal funding awards through the State Homeland Security Program to 77 cities, towns, villages, and counties through seven unique grant programs designed to enhance their public safety preparedness and response capabilities. Specifically, the funding is allocated to New York’s bomb squads, hazardous materials teams, explosive detection canine teams, tactical teams, technical rescue, and urban search and rescue teams. These grants will also be used to protect and secure critical infrastructure, mass gathering events and enhance local governments’ cyber security capabilities.

“New York’s homeland security capabilities will be greatly strengthened thanks to this partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and the $9 million in grants announced today,” Governor Hochul said. “My number one commitment is to keep New Yorkers safe, and with these funds in place, New York will be better prepared to respond to any security threat that may come.”

The State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages the targeted grant programs, having previously distributed approximately $81.9 million to these critical programs.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s first responders face a diverse array of challenges every day and it’s critical we ensure they have the resources necessary for addressing them. This funding plays an important role in that effort by helping connect local law enforcement and emergency personnel from across the state with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe, no matter the threat.”

Awardees are as follows:

Bomb Squads

This program helps equip and train the state’s 12 local FBI-accredited bomb squads to locate and prevent potential emergencies caused by improvised explosive devices or IEDs. More than $25.6 million in dedicated homeland security funding has been awarded to New York bomb squads over 15 consecutive years. Twelve awards were made through this noncompetitive grant opportunity. The NYPD will receive $436,000

Hazardous Materials Targeted Grant Program – This program serves as a resource for 18 regional HazMat Teams, outside of New York City, to sustain and enhance HazMat capabilities to help New Yorkers respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Regions can use this funding to obtain and maintain essential equipment, implement the HazMat Team Accreditation Program, conduct training and exercises, and develop and update HazMat response plans. Eighteen awards were made through this noncompetitive grant opportunity.

Critical Infrastructure Grant Program – This program promotes a common understanding and approach to risk management as well as providing funding to support local first responder’s efforts to mitigate risk and enhance protection capabilities at mass gatherings/special event sites, and government owned critical infrastructure sites. Eleven awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity, (in Long Island and elsewhere in the state, not in NYC).

Cyber Security Grant Program – This program provides funding support for eligible counties, cities, towns and villages to enhance their ability to protect, detect, identify, respond to and recover from cyber incidents. Funding may be utilized to mitigate capability gaps that have been identified through a risk assessment methodology via equipment, training, planning and exercise costs. Forty-five awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity. The FDNY will receive $50,000

Explosive Detection Canine Team Grant Program

Funding through this program provides local law enforcement agencies with active road patrols aid to develop and enhance their explosive detection canine capabilities. Explosive Detection Canine Teams provide a mobile response capability for detection and identification of potential explosive device type incidents. In addition to this deterrence presence they provide a visible, proactive police presence in areas of mass gathering, transportation centers and critical infrastructure sites. Twenty-eight awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity.

Tactical Team Targeted Grant Program – This funding supports New York State’s tactical teams and provides them with the adequate skills and capabilities to provide a safe and successful response to high-risk incidents including active shooter events and other counterterrorism missions.

Technical Rescue & Urban Search and Rescue Grant Program – This program focuses on the enhancement of Technical Rescue and USAR teams for local emergency responders who conduct search and rescue operations involving structural collapse, trench, confined space, and rope rescues. Eight awards were made through this competitive grant opportunity. New York City will receive $74,989.

THREATS AGAINST COUNCIL MEMBER CABÁN: The New York City Council released the following statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams’ spokesperson, Mandela Jones, in response to threats received by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, measures taken by the Council to engage law enforcement authorities, and the politicization of these actions.

“The Council prioritizes the safety of all New Yorkers. We take violent threats against our members and staff very seriously, and are uncompromising about taking any and all necessary actions to ensure they are safe. The Council’s security officials work closely with city authorities to protect all members and employees, and has taken steps to support the Office of Council Member Cabán in the face of troubling threats, like we would with every member’s office.

“Politicizing violent threats against elected officials, their offices, or any resident is unacceptable, and has no place in New York City. It is unfortunate that this has been disregarded, perpetuating division and undermining safe working conditions for a Council member and their staff without consideration for the people impacted, including their tens of thousands of constituents. The overheated rhetoric needs to be immediately dialed down and de-escalated. We all have a responsibility to foster a climate that unequivocally discourages threats and promotes constructive dialogue – that includes every individual and institution with a voice. The public servants who dedicate themselves to serving our city deserve respect and safety, regardless of whether you may disagree with them.”

SHOOTING OUTSIDE ZELDIN FAMILY HOME: Congressman Lee Zeldin issued the following statement after a shooting took place on the property of his family’s home in Shirley, Long Island: “Thank you to everyone who reached out expressing concern regarding the shooting outside my home this afternoon around 2:18pm. My 16 year old daughters, Mikayla and Arianna, were at our house doing homework, while my wife, Diana, and I were in the car, having just departed the Bronx Columbus Day Parade in Morris Park.

“After my daughters heard the gunshots and the screaming, they ran upstairs, locked themselves in the bathroom and immediately called 911. They acted very swiftly and smartly every step of the way and Diana and I are extremely proud of them.

“The two individuals who were shot were laying down under my front porch and the bushes in front of our porch. My understanding is that they have been transported to area hospitals. I do not know their identities.

“Law enforcement is currently at our house. My entire family is at home working with the investigators and providing the security footage from our home cameras.

“My daughters are shaken, but ok. Like so many New Yorkers, crime has literally made its way to our front door. My family is grateful to all who have reached out and we will provide another update when we can.”

MENG CONDEMNS SWASTIKAS FOUND IN QUEENS: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, issued the following statement condemning swastikas found on newspaper racks distributing Jewish publications in Kew Gardens Hills.

“I am shocked and outraged over this disgusting vandalism, and I condemn it. This antisemitism is completely unacceptable, especially during Yom Kippur which is the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. Hate will never be tolerated in Queens. There is no place for it in our borough or anywhere in our society, and we must all denounce these despicable acts whenever and wherever they occur.”

‘NE QUEENS NEEDS NEW PRECINCT’: Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblymember Edward Braunstein and Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell requesting the creation of a new police precinct to oversee the College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace neighborhoods. These communities currently fall within the 109th police precinct, which is based in downtown Flushing. Because of the large area covered by the precinct and the growing population, residents in these communities have described being neglected and insufficient oversight by the department. These concerns have been magnified by an increase in crime.

“We take the safety of our constituents very seriously, says Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D- Queens). “The officers stationed in the 109th precinct do an admirable job with the resources they have. Population growth in the area, especially in downtown Flushing, has stretched them too thin. I believe we can establish a new precinct for the College Point, Whitestone and Bay Terrace communities at reduced cost to the taxpayers. Residents in these neighborhoods deserve the peace of mind that an increased police presence will provide.”

“The 81% year to date increase in crime within the confines of the 109th Precinct is extremely alarming” says Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Whitestone). “This crime epidemic continues to be exacerbated by the loss of officers to adjacent jurisdictions from a precinct that is already spread to its operational limits. I earnestly join my colleagues and Whitestone residents in requesting this vital allocation of an additional precinct for our communities.”

“I join my colleagues in calling on the Adams Administration to consider the request for a new Northeast Queens police precinct,” says Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D- Bayside). “The 109th Precinct is one of the largest in the City and its officers work hard in spite of being overstrained. A new police precinct would not only alleviate this existing pressure but help improve response time, expand police coverage and be an asset to the Northeast Queens community.”

In their letter, the lawmakers suggest that the newly created precinct be based at the Police Academy in College Point. They believe this to be a convenient, cost effective solution that would save on land acquisition and construction costs for a new headquarters.

PHEFFER AMATO REQUESTS MORE NYPD: Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) penned a formal letter to NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and made an official request for more police officers to be allocated to the local precincts. “…with recruitment underway and the hopeful addition of new police officers, I am formally requesting that additional or new officers be assigned to the 100th, 101st and the 106th Precincts,” she wrote in her letter.

Pheffer Amato is known for being a firm advocate for the NYPD and speaking out in support of the work the men and women in blue do for our community. “I have personally seen the strain our police officers are currently going through and believe all three precincts are understaffed,” the letter said. The Assemblywoman has heard from residents at not just the local precinct council meetings but from people throughout South Queens. “I am asking the Commissioner to assign more officers to South Queens as we need more police presence to ensure the safety of our residents and community,” she said.

Pheffer Amato personally promoted the recruitment opportunity during the recent onboarding season for NYPD and received comments from several interested individuals. “The work the members of the NYPD do is beyond commendable and every single one of them deserves our praise and extreme gratitude. I am proud to support the NYPD and will continue to be a friend and advocate for them in every way,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

104TH PCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING: The New York City Police Department Community Affairs Bureau 104th Precinct Community Council announced an upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 19, at 7:30 PM at Saint Margaret’s Parish Hall at 66–05 79th Pl., Middle Village, NY 11379. Masks are optional. For more info, email the council at Council@104pcc.org. The Community Council meets once every month. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings. They provide community updates and crime stat reports. Everyone helps honor and celebrate their Officers of the Month. Guests are invited to address any concerns with Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman.

COMMISSION VOTES TO APPROVE REVISED DISTRICTING: NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams released the following statement on the New York City Districting Commission’s Vote to Approve Revised City Council District Maps: “We appreciate the work of the NYC Districting Commission and look forward to reviewing its official maps. The public engaged in the redistricting process at record levels over the last several months at public hearings across the city, which is an encouraging indication of New York City’s healthy civic engagement. This public outpouring of input and testimony about safeguarding protections for historically marginalized communities of color and communities of interest, as mandated by the Voting Rights Act and New York City Charter, appear to have been taken seriously by the Commission in its revisions. The Council will review and discuss these new district maps, along with our next steps. I thank the Commission and its members for their work, as well as all New Yorkers who have so far engaged in this process.”

CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING SECOND DRAFT: Council Member Julie Won released the following statement on the Redistricting Commission’s second draft of the maps:

“Our district had the highest turnout in the city for public comment after the release of the first draft of the maps. Our neighbors delivered powerful testimonies, many of them staying past midnight to make their voices heard. Upon hearing our outcry, many of the concerns have been addressed by the Redistricting Commission’s second draft of maps.

“The second draft gets rid of the oddly shaped crossover District 26 and leaves Woodside’s immigrant communities more intact. It keeps Ravenswood, Queensbridge, and Woodside Houses together, giving our NYCHA residents the opportunity to push for greater resources for public housing. It keeps Blissville, a small neighborhood with many environmental concerns and shelter residents, with its natural neighbors in Long Island City and Sunnyside.

“I am disappointed to see our Tibetan Community Center has been politically separated from the many Tibetans living in Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, and parts of Astoria. The Tibetan American community has been geopolitically persecuted and has been part of District 26 since the 90s when they first sought asylum here as refugee seekers. Our Tibetan community should not be severed from the largest Tibetan community center and gathering place in the country.

“Ultimately, the decision on the maps will be finalized in February by the Redistricting Commission who will have the final vote. We hope that all the concerns of our community will be addressed, but as a district that has to lose up to 11,000 residents, I understand that the process will be difficult.”

ADDABBO’S ANNUAL JOBS FAIR RETURNS IN-PERSON: This November State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s large-scale Job Fair is going to be an in-person event once again after having to go virtual for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senator is partnering with Resorts World Casino NYC and the Queens Chamber of Commerce to bring this Job Fair to the public.

On Friday, November 18, representatives from over 70 companies from across the tristate area will be on hand, all looking for new employees at Resorts World Casino NYC, located at 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, in South Ozone Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take resumes from jobseekers.

Some of the companies that will be at the job fair include NYC Health + Hospitals, Good Temps, U.S. Army, World Financial Group, Charter Spectrum, Con Edison, NY Helmets to Hardhats, and many more. The Senator’s office can provide a full listing of job fair vendors days before the event.

“With the worst of the COVID pandemic behind us many companies are looking for workers, and even more people are in need of work. My Job Fair is the perfect place to bring these two groups together,” Addabbo said. “Helping individuals obtain sustainable and satisfying work is one of the most important accomplishments I can have as an elected official. I am thrilled to be able to once again host this Job Fair as an in-person event, and I would like to thank Resorts World and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their partnership on this important endeavor. I encourage jobseekers of all ages to come visit the Job Fair and see all of the amazing vendors that will be there.”

It is recommended that jobseekers come to the Job Fair dressed in business attire and have plenty of copies of their resumes with them to give out to the companies in attendance.

Resorts World has a free parking lot for prospective jobseekers in the lot directly across from the casino entrance, and the building is wheelchair accessible to accommodate everyone.

For more information about this event or a complete list of vendors, contact Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.

 

 

QUEENS TECH + INNOVATION CHALLENGE LAUNCH: Four months after pledging in his State of the Borough address to make Queens a leading hub of innovation and technology, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., announced on Oct. 4 the launch of his inaugural Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge (QTIC), with the goal of empowering local entrepreneurs with the skills and funding needed to grow their start-ups.

Developed and presented in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), the QTIC is a multi-month competition for Queens-based entrepreneurs in search of funding. The initiative includes entrepreneurial classes, one-on-one mentorship opportunities and networking events to help applicants develop their pitches, which will be heard by a panel of judges next spring.

“As we rebuild our economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Queens must be a true incubator of innovation and a leader of the growing tech movement. With the Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge, we’re empowering some of the brightest minds in the borough to ensure just that,” said Borough President Richards. “From entrepreneurial classes and mentoring events to funding, the QTIC will be a game-changer for those looking to turn their dreams into a reality. Thank you to QEDC and all our partners for helping make this competition possible.”

“At QEDC, we strongly believe that entrepreneurs are the bedrock of the borough’s economy. Thus, we’re very excited to expand this time-honored QTIC program and reach more people this year,” said Queens Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Seth Bornstein. “I encourage all budding entrepreneurs to sign up and participate. You’ll learn a lot and you might get some extremely helpful funding. I’d also like to thank Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Flushing Bank, Resorts World NYC, Google, Meta, NYC Tech, and Microsoft for their generous support.”

The QTIC will be divided into five categories: Urban Tech, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Aviation and Hospitality Technology, Community, and Food-Based.

To participate in the QTIC, interested individuals must first complete an intake form and a 2-page application between October 4, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Along with the application, entrepreneurs must submit a video pitch up to three minutes long, as well as a three-year financial projection. The intake form and application are not required to be completed simultaneously.

Interested individuals must be Queens-based entrepreneurs age 18 and older and will be required to attend a minimum of four online workshops hosted by QEDC, among other criteria, in order to apply. For the full list of eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply, visit Queensstartup.org.

After applying, entrepreneurs will be able to connect with QEDC advisors for one-on-one mentoring sessions and attend a variety of QTIC networking events in the coming months. In Spring 2023, 15 finalists will be selected — three from each category — to participate in Pitch Day, with each finalist pitching their start-up to a panel of judges. One winner will be declared in each category and awarded with $20,000 in funding.

Entities providing financial support for the QTIC include Flushing Bank, Resorts World NYC, Google, Meta and NYC Tech, with Microsoft providing additional in-kind support.

Follow the Office of the Queens Borough President via @QnsBPRichards on Twitter and @QueensBPRichards on Facebook and Instagram

COLLEGE CHOICE FOR COLLEGE FOR FOSTER CARE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser announced on Oct. 4 “College Choice,” a program that will provide college students in foster care with greater support systems, including financial support, so they can attend the college of their dreams without having to worry about the hefty price tag. As part of the program, ACS will help pay remaining costs of college tuition— up to $15,000 each year — in addition to any room and board not covered by a student’s financial aid package. College students in foster care will also receive a $60 daily stipend per year, which can be used towards food, clothing, transportation, and more.

All youth in foster care will additionally be able to keep the coaching they already receive through “Fair Futures,” which has provided thousands of youth in foster care, ages 11 to 21, with dedicated coaches and tutors since 2019. The Adams administration recently expanded Fair Futures for youth ages 21-26. Further, the New York Foundling — a non-profit social service organization that supports young people in foster care— will provide students with tutoring, career counseling, and other related services.

“College Choice will provide college students in foster care with the support they need to complete their college education successfully and attend the school of their choice, regardless of cost,” said Mayor Adams. ”This new program provides our young people in foster care help in covering up to $15,000 in tuition costs each year not covered by financial aid, as well as room and board, and even provides a daily stipend for food or clothes. Growing up has never been more challenging, so we are holding up the torch to support our young people. No students’ chances for success should depend on factors outside of their control. Now, our youth in foster care can attend a community college, a CUNY, a SUNY, an Ivy League, an HBCU, or any other school they dream of without worrying about how they pay for their education.”

College Choice builds on the Adams administration’s investments in upstream solutions and deep commitment to improving educational outcomes for youth in foster care, and helping ensure they lead healthy, productive, and self-sufficient adult lives. All full-time college students in foster care will be eligible for the benefits as long as they have applied for financial aid, maintain a 2.0 grade point average, and participate in any academic support programs for which they’re eligible. Benefits will be available for a maximum of three years for an associate degree or five years for a bachelor’s degree.

College Choice will offer all full-time college students in foster care the following benefits covered by ACS:

Tuition and mandatory fees (up to $15,000 per year), that are not covered by a student’s financial aid award.

The cost of room and board.

A stipend of $60 per day to cover food and other expenses while attending school. This benefit is also available for up to six months after graduation from college.

Students attending in-person classes at a college or university outside of New York City can live in housing sponsored by that college or university, or in safe and appropriate off-campus private housing.

Students enrolled only in online classes at a college or university can live in housing sponsored by that college or university, or in any of the six housing options for New York City students.

Students who want to stay in college/university housing during the summer are required to be engaged in meaningful summer activities (such as participating in an internship or taking classes).

Students can receive tutoring, career counseling, and related support provided online and in-person by New York Foundling staff.

Students can maintain their Fair Futures coach while in college.

New York City leads the nation in providing support to youth in foster care and youth transitioning from foster care. Fair Futures has been in place since 2019, but the Adams administration recently provided additional resources to ACS so that Fair Futures could be expanded to include youth in foster care from ages 21 to 26.

Previously, students in foster care were eligible to participate in The Fostering College Success Initiative, also known as “The Dorm Project,” which provided year-round housing and academic supports to youth in foster care attending CUNY schools. ACS also offered the Fostering College Success Stipend, which provided college students in foster care with a $31 daily stipend.

College Choice expands upon these offerings by providing similar benefits to all students in foster care, regardless of which college they choose to attend. New York City is the first jurisdiction in the nation to implement an initiative for youth in foster care of this breadth and scale. Earlier this year, the Adams administration also announced a new vocational training and apprenticeship program, VCRED, for youth, ages 16-24, who are in foster care, as well as youth who recently left foster care or the juvenile justice system.

Approximately 230 young people in New York City foster care will benefit this upcoming school year from College Choice.

“As a former educator, I know how life changing a college education is in a person’s life, but for too many New Yorkers, the rising costs of college make it unattainable,” said U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney. “Our city’s foster youth especially bear the brunt of rising college costs. I applaud Mayor Adams for making college more accessible for our city’s foster youth by enacting ‘College Choice,’ a program that will change the outcomes of so many young people’s lives.”

HELP DISABLED YOUTH TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO CAREER: The Institute for Career Development (ICD) announced on Sept. 28 the launch of the initial phase of a planned citywide initiative to help youth with disabilities transition from school to career. Tens of thousands of students with disabilities leave public high schools every year only to find themselves face to face with a gap where the services they depended upon to finish school had previously been. This new initiative, created by ICD while working with the nonprofit consulting firm The Bridgespan Group, is designed to bridge this gap by providing services that enhance college and career opportunities for youth with disabilities.

The initial phase of this initiative consists of a pilot program in partnership with Discovery High School in the Kingsbridge Heights section of The Bronx and Richmond Hill High School in Queens. With the start of the new school year, ICD now has on-site at each school a full-time “Navigator” available to work with any student who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan to prepare the student to make the jump to college or vocational training and embark upon a career. The Navigators, whose services are available at no cost to students or schools, will guide students around obstacles and over hurdles as they work to build skills needed to launch fulfilling careers.

The Navigators are supported by ICD’s full-time Transition Services Manager. She will split her time between school sites, amplifying the services provided by the Navigators and operating as the primary point of contact for school staff and parents of program participants. ICD staff will also work with each school to develop employer partners within their communities to provide work experiences for their students.

The Institute for Career Development is a New York City-based, not-for-profit, workforce development organization, whose mission is to help people transform their lives through career development and employment. A leader in the field of vocational rehabilitation since its founding in 1917, ICD specializes in serving people with barriers to employment – providing vocational evaluation, career planning services, job skills training programs, internships, and job placement services to youth and adults with disabilities.

Discovery High School’s mission is to prepare students for the rigor of college and life after high school. Students learn how to learn, how to think about their own thinking, and how to acquire the necessary skills they will need to be successful in the world of tomorrow.

Richmond Hill High School’s mission is to promote young adults who are happy, goal-oriented, well-adjusted, and academically prepared to face the challenges of the future and to contribute significantly to societal progress.

LIC SUMMIT IN PERSON: The LIC Summit will take place in person on Tuesday, November 15, 8:30 – 2:30 at the Museum of the Moving Image.

“At this year’s LIC Summit, we will highlight the unique qualities of LIC that have kept the neighborhood resilient through COVID-19, explore the investments in physical and social infrastructure needed to maintain momentum, and discuss how LIC can be a model for New York’s economic recovery,” said Charles Yu
LICP Senior Director of Business Assistance.

Ticket sales have started (at www.eventbrite.com/e/lic-summit-2022-tickets-376574423237). This event also offers sponsorship opportunities at several levels.

Visit the LIC Summit page on our website for RSVP and more event information, including confirmed speakers, sponsorship opportunities, panel topics and more.

Historically a home for the innovation economy and sitting at the geographical center of the New York City region, LIC has experienced monumental growth over the past decade. From new mixed income housing to a burgeoning life sciences sector and world-class retail, LIC has become the nation’s quintessential live-work-play talent hub and destination.

Confirmed Speakers:

 Donovan Richards Jr – Queens Borough President

 Julie Won – NYC Council Member, District 26

 Kathryn Wylde – President and CEO, Partnership for NYC

 Calvin Brown – Deputy Commissioner, Neighborhood Development, NYC Small Business Services

 Julie Stein – New York City Economic Development Corporation

 Kenneth Adams – Laguardia Community College

 Molly Kurzius – Moma PS1

 Tom Grech – Queens Chamber of Commerce

 Paimaan Lodhi – Tishman Speyer

ELECTEDS DEMAND TIMELINE FOR GAS RESTORATION: Council Member Sandra Ung, Congress Member Grace Meng, State Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Ron Kim joined residents of Bland Houses on Tuesday, Oct. 4 to call on the New York City Housing Authority to immediately restore gas service. The residents in one building have been without gas since the beginning of May, when it was shut off due to a leak in the main line. Since then, residents have been forced to rely on hot plates and crock pots for all of their cooking needs.

“It is unconscionable that rent-paying tenants in the Bland Houses have been without gas for the last five months,” said Council Member Sandra Ung. “My office has heard directly from residents with elderly parents who have dietary needs that are going unmet and affecting their health because they can’t fully cook in their own homes. NYCHA needs to be honest with residents, offer solutions, and release a timeline for the immediate restoration of gas service.”

“This lack of gas service is unacceptable and needs to be fixed immediately,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “The hard-working, rent-paying residents of the Bland Houses should not be forced to endure this problem for all these months. Having working gas in their apartments is essential, and they deserve better. Two years ago, my colleagues and I worked to restore gas here after several tenants had no service for months. It is unbelievable that the problem is occurring yet again. There must be no further delays. Gas service needs to be restored at once.”

“After months of inadequate solutions, the residents of Bland Houses deserve an upfront accounting and timetable for when they can expect the restoration of their gas,” said State Senator John Liu. “It is unacceptable for anyone to live without this basic housing necessity for this long, and we’re calling on NYCHA to get its act together and immediately expedite these repairs.

“For months, residents of Bland Houses have been without gas in their apartments and reduced to using hot plates to cook their food,” said Assembly Member Ron Kim. “This is a completely unacceptable and woefully inadequate response from NYCHA. I am calling on NYCHA to immediately restore the gas at Bland Houses so that residents can prepare for the upcoming months.”

“NYCHA, why are you dragging your feet? Let’s have transparency, what are we waiting for?” said Bland Houses Tenants Association President Bridget Marachlian. “Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I already know we are not going to have gas. I said I would work with NYCHA, but this is not working with our residents. We need our gas back on.”

LAGCC NEWS: LaGuardia Instructor Named to Biden Administration Healthcare Panel: Barbara “Bobbi” Hart, Program Manager for LaGuardia’s Community Health Worker training, was recently named to the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages (ACICBL) by Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The ACICBL provides advice and recommendations on policy and program development to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning the activities under Part D of Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, which includes Area Health Education Centers, Geriatrics, Rural Health, Allied Health, Podiatry, Chiropractic, Mental and Behavioral Health, Pain Care, and Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. Bobbi’s extensive experience in the public health and education fields includes running the Certified Peer Recovery Advocate Training Program at Bronx Community College (BCC), teaching community health courses at BCC, and serving as executive director of The Bronx Health Link

LaGuardia Community Run Set for Saturday, October 22: Being a community college means doing things in the community. “To see what this look like, join us on Saturday, October 22 for our Community Run, an event we’re bringing back to the streets of Long Island City for the first time in many years. Runners and walkers of all abilities (over the age of seven) are encouraged to sign up. Non-running fans and volunteers are needed, too! Athletic and recreation experts mapped out a scenic 5-K route from our glorious parking lot down to Hunters Point South on the East River waterfront, and back to campus. An activities plaza will feature face painting and games, tabling from sponsors and local small businesses, and plenty of refreshments. Proceeds from the LaGuardia Community Run will support scholarship funds through the Foundation. See you on race day.”

FEMA: BEWARE OF FRAUD AND SCAMS: When natural disasters occur, it is common to find people who want to take advantage of survivors by posing as official disaster aid workers or as relatives trying to help survivors complete their applications.

FEMA encourages survivors to be aware of fraud and scams. FEMA also encourages survivors to report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals.

Survivors should also be aware that this kind of situation doesn’t happen only at the beginning of the response to the disaster when people might be more vulnerable. It can happen anytime. It is important to know that FEMA does not endorse any commercial businesses, products or services.

It’s important that residents of Puerto Rico need to identify the common tactics used by these criminals, such as phone calls from people claiming to work for FEMA. The caller might ask for the survivor’s Social Security number and income or banking information. Giving out this type of information can help an unscrupulous person make a false claim for assistance or commit identity theft.

FEMA encourages survivors and business owners to be vigilant for these common post-disaster fraud practices:

Housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA

▪ Be cautious if somebody asks for your nine-digit registration number. A FEMA inspector will never ask for this information. They already have it in their records.

▪ Don’t give anyone your banking information. FEMA inspectors never require banking or other personal information such as a Social Security number.

▪ Ask the person to show you their identification badge. Federal employees always wear an official government badge to identify themselves.

Fake offers of local or federal aid

▪ Don’t trust someone who asks for money. Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4671

▪ Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant and asks for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Fraudulent building contractors

▪ Use licensed or verified local contractors backed by reliable references.

▪ To find licensed certified contractors check the Department of Consumer Affairs of Puerto Rico.

▪ Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs in advance.

▪ Demand that contractors detail the job to be done with guarantees in writing.

If you suspect fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

For more information on Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Fiona, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4671. Follow on Facebook.com/FEMAPuertoRico page, Twitter @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol.

For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on Twitter at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.

EXTEND PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS WAIVER’: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is co-leading a bicameral group of nearly 100 colleagues to urge U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to extend the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver deadline until July 1, 2023 – when the Department of Education’s new PSLF regulations are set to take effect. Gillibrand is calling for the Department of Education to extend the current deadline in order to ensure all public servants with federal student loans can benefit from this historic waiver. With the help of the limited PSLF waiver the Department announced last October, more than 189,000 public servants have had their student loans forgiven through the program, and more than one million have received an average of over one additional year of PSLF credit.

“The waiver has been overwhelmingly successful in reducing barriers for borrowers to receive PSLF relief, as the waiver accounts for almost all (91%) of the borrowers who have received forgiveness through the PSLF program through July 31, 2022,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The limited waiver is also a lifeline for Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) borrowers who—for the first time— have seen their payments acknowledged in the PSLF program. Importantly, extending the PSLF waiver will also allow more military service members and federal employees to make progress towards loan forgiveness through PSLF.”

Despite the increase in the number of public servants who have benefited from PSLF thanks to the limited waiver, Senator Gillibrand highlighted that these borrowers represent only a fraction of the public servants eligible for PSLF. According to the Student Borrower Protection Center’s estimates, only 15% of the over 9 million public service workers with federal student debt had filed paperwork to track their qualifying payments under PSLF as of June 2022.

Senator Gillibrand has long championed fixes to the PSLF program to ensure teachers, nurses, first responders, and other essential public service professionals can access debt relief. She leads the What You Can Do for Your Country Act, which would expand PSLF eligibility so that every type of federal loan and repayment plan is permanently included in the program, and which would ensure that public servants can count on repayment when they apply for loan forgiveness.

Senator Gillibrand is joined in leading the letter by Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), along with U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-Md.-03), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.-05), and Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02). The letter was also signed by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and many others, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.-14), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07),

MUSLIM ORGANIZING COLLECTIVE LAUNCHED IN ASTORIA: New York Muslim Organizing Collective (NYMOC), a team led by organizers, Rana Abdelhamid, former candidate for congress in NY12 and ED at Malikah, and Mohamed Atia, ED of the Street Vendor Project, launched last week to build electoral power for Muslims in Queens. Their vision is to educate and engage NYC Muslims in electoral and political organizing in Queens to address key economic and social challenges the community is facing.

On September 23rd, NYMOC hosted a town hall event at the Ibn Sina Youth Center in Astoria. In collaboration with the representatives from the Yemeni American Merchants Association, Councilmember Tiffany Caban, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez Rojas and Senator Jessica Ramos, Street Vendor Project, Astoria Welfare Society, Malikah and Taxi Workers Alliance, NYMOC will brought together over one hundred Muslims from across Queens to discuss New York City’s current housing crisis as the first of a series of upcoming events and workshops on housing. The first of its kind, community members described the event as “powerful,” “informative” and “important.”

According to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, there are about 768,767 Muslims in New York City, making up about 9% of the city’s total population. There are 95,816 Muslim-owned small businesses in New York City, employing at least 251,864 people and Muslims comprise 40% of NYC’s taxi drivers and more than 57% of street food vendors. Collectively we have been impacted by the housing crisis and the pandemic in unprecedented ways.

NYMOC is building an organizing community that is engaged, inspired, activated and working alongside our city’s elected officials to create impact on the issues we face collectively. This was the first of a series of upcoming events focused on housing and economic issues facing the Muslim community in Queens.

RENAME PS 48 AS DINKINS SCHOOL FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Speaker Adrienne Adams today joined school community leaders, local elected officials, parents, and students to celebrate the official renaming of PS 48Q as The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service. In 2021, the New York City Department of Education approved the renaming of PS 48Q after former Mayor Dinkins, the first African American Mayor of New York City. Led by Patricia Mitchell, who served as Principal of PS 48Q for 14 years, a group of school leaders, teachers, and parents agreed to honor Mayor Dinkins and his lifelong legacy of public service.

The stated vision of The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service is to “build leaders who are well-rounded and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve community issues, leading scholars to become change agents in our ever-evolving global society.” By renaming the school in honor of former Mayor David N. Dinkins, the school community and students will strive to exemplify the legacy set by its namesake.

“Mayor David N. Dinkins was a trailblazing, inspirational, and honorable leader in our city whose commitment to a more just and equitable world never wavered,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “He devoted his life to public service and improving the communities that make up the “Gorgeous Mosaic” that is New York City. By renaming PS 48Q in his honor, our community is uplifting Mayor Dinkins’ legacy and ensuring that the next generation of leaders will be inspired to serve their communities. I am grateful for the leadership of District 28 Superintendent Dr. Tammy Pate, Principal Joan Stanley-Duvernay, CEC 28 President Vijah Ramjattan, and former Principal Patricia Mitchell, whose vision and dedication made this historic day possible.”

“Mayor David Dinkins was the kind of dedicated leader whose commitment to service will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “His recognition of our great city as a ‘gorgeous mosaic’ is the lens through which we all ought to view the beauty of our differences, and use it as a catalyst for growth in our communities. It is an honor to help solidify his legacy within our great school system.”

David Norman Dinkins served as the 106th Mayor of the City of New York. He was elected as the city’s first African American Mayor and took office on January 1, 1990. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Dinkins graduated from Trenton Central High School, Howard University, and Brooklyn Law School. A recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he served as a United States Marine during World War II. Prior to being elected Mayor, Dinkins served in the New York State Assembly in 1966 and later as the Manhattan Borough President from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure as Mayor, Dinkins created the Beacon Schools program, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and the “Safe Streets, Safe City” plan. He was responsible for securing a 99-year deal with the USTA National Tennis Center, revitalizing Times Square, and rehabilitating housing in New York City. Mayor Dinkins passed away in November 2020.

$2.2 M FOR BAY TERRACE LIBRARY: Assembly Member Ed Braunstein and Senator John Liu today announced a capital award of $2.2 million from the New York State Education Department/New York State Library for the renovation of the Bay Terrace Library. The funding will go toward the complete renovation of the interior, restoring the exterior masonry, and installing a new roof and HVAC system. The Bay Terrace allocation comes from a $34 million capital fund appropriation passed in the FY2021-2022 State Budget.

Located at 18-36 Bell Boulevard, the Bay Terrace Library is currently in the construction phase for a $5.7 million renovation and modernization project. The $2.2 million allocation supplements city funding that includes improvements to the exterior garden, updated furniture and technology, a new teen area and multipurpose community room with audiovisual equipment, and a new ADA compliant ramp.

Assembly Member Braunstein stated, “Queens Public Libraries serve as the beating heart of our local communities, offering families a wide variety of programs, resources and services that enrich their daily lives. The state-of-the-art improvements underway at the Bay Terrace Library will provide a modernized space with upgraded technology to be enjoyed by local families for years to come. I thank my partners in government who helped make the project a reality and I look forward to celebrating the library’s grand re-opening.”

Senator Liu stated, “Our neighborhood libraries offer so much more than just simple book lending. They are cornerstones of our community where residents can take courses, use computers, learn a new language, or attend a community meeting. The Bay Terrace Library has long stood as a centerpiece of northeast Queens, dutifully serving New Yorkers here and beyond with a range of programs and services. Funding this renovation will put a 21st century face on this esteemed institution that will allow it to serve our community for generations to come.”

Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott stated, “Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Ed Braunstein have demonstrated time and again their strong support for our libraries in their district and beyond. I am grateful for their advocacy for funding to transform the Bay Terrace branch into a modern and welcoming place that helps inspire people to find success in their lives through our free resources and services.”

ADDABBO TO COME TO JAMAICA, RICHMOND HILL, GLENDALE: This month State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is bringing his event series, Java with Joe, back to the district to give residents an opportunity to speak with him directly on any matters they wish to discuss.

During these Java with Joe events, Senator Addabbo will be at these locations where he will sit at a table where he will meet with constituents to chat about any community or personal issue they want to bring up. On Saturday, October 8, Addabbo was at Tropical Isle Roti Shop & Bakery, located at 118-19 Liberty Avenue, in Jamaica.

On Saturday, October 15, Addabbo will be at the Atlantic Diner, located at 111-16 Atlantic Avenue, in Richmond Hill.

On Saturday, October 22, Addabbo will visit Arepas Bakery & Grill (AB & G), located at 66-14 Myrtle Avenue, in Glendale.

Addabbo will be at each location from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“I know it may be difficult for some of my constituents to set up a meeting with me during normal business hours, so I am happy to make myself more available for these individuals — either during my Mobile Office Hours or Java with Joe events — because hearing their issues and trying to resolve them are important to me,” Addabbo said. “I encourage anyone who wants to bring up an issue with me to come to these events right in their own community and meet with me directly. I look forward to speaking with my constituents and supporting our local businesses at the same time.”

For more information about this and upcoming Java with Joe events, call Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.

LANGSTON HUGHES LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL: QPL is holding “a reverent celebration of contemporary Black literary arts. We’ll be hosting a variety of panels, author talks, readings, and a performance that align with this year’s theme: Tell the Stories, Teach the History! Speakers will include renowned academics and writers such as Lissette Acosta Corniel, Jhensen Ortiz, Eartha Watts Hicks, Marc W. Polite, Minette Coleman, Elizabeth Nunez, Cleyvis Natera, Maisy Card, and Regina Bernard-Carreño.

Saturday, October 22, 12-5pm, Langston Hughes, 100-01 Northern Boulevard, East Elmhurst. Register online.

AUTHOR TALK WITH LISSETTE ACOSTA CORNIEL: “ELENA: RUNNING TO DANCE AND OTHER DEFECTS IN COLONIAL SANTO DOMINGO” (Moderated by Jhensen Ortiz) A rich, challenging conversation about colonialism, politics, gender, and beyond.

OPEN MIC: PRESENTED BY THE HARLEM WRITERS GUILD Live entertainment meets literature at this open mic with writers from the iconic Harlem Writers Guild. This event will include book publisher and author, Eartha Watts Hicks; poet, essayist, and blogger, Marc W. Polite, and novelist, Minnette Coleman.

A PANEL OF CONTEMPORARY CARIBBEAN NOVELISTS: PRESENTED BY THE CENTER FOR FICTION (Moderated by Regina Bernard-Carreño) Join a panel of Caribbean writers as they discuss their recent novels and the climate of literature today. This event includes author, Elizabeth Nunez; author, Cleyvis Natera; author and librarian, Maisy Card; with writer and professor, Regina Bernard-Carreño.

RICHARD WRIGHT’S BLACK BOY: A LITERATURE TO LIFE ADAPTATION FOR THE STAGE A Literature to Life adaptation of Black Boy, the classic novel set in the Jim Crow South, for the stage. Adapted and directed by Wynn Handman. Starring Tarantino Smith, playing upwards of fifteen characters from Richard Wright’s story.

NEWTOWN CREEK ALLIANCE’S TIDAL TOAST: NCA announced they are two weeks away from their Tidal Toast event. Since 2002, NCA has served as the voice of Newtown Creek; working with community members, local businesses, environmental organizations, and agencies to promote awareness, remediation, access, resilient businesses, and ecological improvements for our local waterway and upland communities. “At this year’s Tidal Toast, we will celebrate NCA’s two decades of work by raising a glass to all of NCA’s friends, supporters, and partners who enable us to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek. In celebration of our 20 years, we are honoring three distinct individuals whose extensive contributions have advanced cleanup, connection, and care of our beloved waterway: Capt John Lipscomb: Restore Award; Christine Holowacz: Revitalize Award; and Mitch Waxman: Reveal Award. This year, we are excited to partner with Colossal Media, who will be generously hosting the Tidal Toast event at their Creek-side facility on Metropolitan Avenue. In addition to a spacious interior, this unique location also offers an outdoor section overlooking the English Kills tributary of Newtown Creek.” You can purchase your tickets online.

—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts

This column was originated by John A. Toscano

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