Queens Chronicle 08-13-26 by Queens Chronicle

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIX

NO. 33

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026

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Woodhaven vexed as subway work runs a year late PAGE 4 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority initially said its construction work around the Jamaica Avenue subway station above 85th Street and Forest Parkway would be done one year ago, in August 2025. Now it projects it’ll be the end of 2026. While the work is necessary, it has gone on for “a very long time” and is having a negative impact on the ground, say area leaders who look forward to its completion.

DOWNGRADED City kids’ reading test scores drop hard

PAGES 2 AND 10

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Page 2

Reading test scores drop in NYC schools Proficiency rate fell 6 percentage points compared to 2025: report by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

nglish language arts test scores for city public school students have fallen 6 percentage points since last year, according to new Department of Education data. As per a city DOE report released last week, the percentage of students in grades 3 to 8 achieving proficiency in ELA dropped from 56.3 in 2025 to 50.3 this year. Just over half of the 98,020 students in Queens who were tested — 51.6 percent — scored a 3 or 4 out of the 4-point scale in ELA assessments. Last year, 58.1 percent of the borough’s 98,675 test takers achieved proficiency. For math exams, proficiency rates rose marginally, from 56.9 percent last year to 57 percent in 2026. Slightly fewer Queens students achieved proficiency this year — 54,789 test takers last year, or 59.4 percent, scored a 3 or 4, compared to this year’s 53,080, or 59.2 percent. Preliminary data from the state Education Department showed that fewer than half of students across the state demonstrated ELA proficiency on the 2025-26 tests. For Adriana Aviles, president of the District 26 Presidents’ Council, the decrease in reading scores is nothing new. Her own district did not have a major deficit, Aviles explained, but the low scores seem like the “same old.” “I’m not surprised or shocked, so I don’t

approach to research-based literar y instr uction” that emphasizes phonics and readi ng comprehension, was launched in the 2023-24 school year, with new rollout stages each subsequent year. Aviles said people have not given the new curriculum a chance, and it would take years to assess whether the changes are working. She also called for more resources to support teachers, saying they have to do more work to learn the new curriculum, but their schools do not receive extra money. “We have a large budget. We got more money for Reading test scores in the city dropped six points this past schools, but I’d like to know if school year compared to last. Some education advocates say that extra money we’re going to per pupil is actually going the exam itself should be scrutinized. to support our schools with know what everyone’s saying at this point,” this new curriculum,” Aviles said. Yiatin Chu, a co-founder of Parent Leaders she said. One possible culprit, Aviles said, could be the influx of new teachers, who may for Accelerated Curriculum and Education not have the most support in every district in NYC, also noted how much New York spends on schools. the system. “New York City, New York State spends the The plummeting scores came amid changes to reading curricula in city public schools. largest portion of our respective budgets on The NYC Reads initiative, a “systemwide education, and there are so few ways in which

we can see or know that it’s working or not,” Chu said. “These annual test scores should be able to tell us how the policies are working, where our funding is, whether the resources we’ve devoted are making a difference.” She noted that last year’s test scores, which were far higher than the year prior, inspired optimism about changes to the reading curriculum. But then they dropped in 2026, she noted, even though curricula have not changed much. Chu also cited grade- and race-specific “anomalies” in this year’s scores, including among third-graders and Asian pupils. Citywide, 44.2 percent of third-graders achieved ELA proficiency, compared to 58 percent last year. Reading scores went down for students of all ethnicities, but the steepest decline was among Asian students — nearly 75 percent scored a 3 or 4 last year, compared to 67.3 percent in 2026. Chu pointed to potential issues with the test itself, calling for an audit to see what was different this year. She was not the only one to call the test into question. “Unfortunately the state has been unable to develop and administer properly scaled tests with reliable results for many years that would allow anyone to gain insights about what is working or not in our schools,” said Leonie Haimson, executive director of the nonprofit continued on page 8

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MTA: J/Z Train work to wrap by year’s end Completion of 85th St.-Forest Parkway station was first due in August 2025 by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Woodhaven residents and business owners near the elevated J/Z subway stop at 85 St.-Forest Parkway along Jamaica Avenue may have a light before the end of the Manhattan-bound tunnel. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority told the Chronicle in an email on Tuesday that the construction work, heavy equipment and sidewalk sheds will be clearing out by the end of 2026. The initial goal was August 2025. “The work at the 85 St-Forest Parkway station is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” the spokesman wrote. “Project delays have been caused by external conditions at the station.” A visit during the morning rush last Friday saw large curbside worksheds still occupying lengths of 85th and Forest Parkway; a worker also was setting up his tools on the mezzanine level as an industrial cherry picker came from the Forest Parkway enclosure to work from below the tracks on the westbound side of Jamaica Avenue. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said things are not nearly as bad for traffic, parking and traveling as right after work began in 2024. “We were told by the MTA that deadlines were 2025, and they’re well past that,” said Addabbo, whose district office is right below the station. “This is residual stuff,

the tail end of the project. But this is a project that probably has gone on a little too long.” The MTA did not specify the outside conditions in question, and did not respond to a request for information about possible increased costs. Addabbo said his office is getting fewer complaints now than last year, but that it still is getting them, particularly from businesses. “They lose parking,” the senator said. “They lose access. This is only temporary, but that doesn’t help, especially in the summer when people are outside and shopping om Jamaica Avenue.” Two business owners near the intersection of 85th and Jamaica Avenue declined to comment to the Chronicle. Two others did not respond to messages that were left. Ed Wendell, president of Project Woodhaven and a lifetime resident, said he grew up by the train on Jamaica Avenue. He also reiterated that the length of the project has been the primary issue. “It’s been a very long time,” Wendell said. “Beside the impact on the riders, it’s been terrible on the ground. It takes up a lot of parking spots with the sidewalk sheds, the vehicles, the cones that are put out for long stretches. “I know they need the space to work. We all understand that. I think people in the neighborhood have been very patient. They know what it takes to work on these things. But it has gone on for a very long time.”

Wendell said even in the off hours, his wife, with vision difficulties, sometimes needs to negotiate sidewalks that are cluttered with wood and other items. He said the large equipment shed built on Forest Parkway at the intersection with Jamaica has had a big effect. “That is kind of the center of our town square,” he said. “We have Christmas celebrations and the music festival Q there. And it’s just all fenced in.”

Construction on the J train tracks above 85th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven is nearing completion, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

Howard Beach eye doc robbed in spree Cross Bay Boulevard plaza hit with break-ins. Suspect still at large. by Andrew Karpan

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On Fr iday mor ning, the ow ner of BLVD Optical, located in a plaza in Howard Beach, im mediately noticed something was amiss. “When I opened up the shop, I opened the door, I saw all my displays were open,” the owner of the optometry service and eyewear shop, located among a number of stores at 164-42 Cross Bay Boulevard, told the Chronicle. He had been robbed. Seemingly, by a professional. “It was one person, I think, from what we know,” he said, pointing to store security footage taken in the early morning, around 1:10 a.m. on Aug. 7. “But he k new what to do, where everything was, and he mainly took the most expensive stuff, like the Cartier and Chrome Hearts — like all the really expensive eye wear was all gone.” “He avoided ever y ot her pai r of eyeglasses.” T he store’s ow ner est i m at es t h at about $50,000 in eyewear was lifted, and the store was dealt extensive damage from the thief’s method of entering:

The owner of BLVD Optical says he was robbed by “a pro” who broke in through the bathroom in the back. COURTESY PHOTOS through the back. The wall in the back of the store, which lacks a door at all, was largely destroyed by the break-in, the bathroom floor flooded in its wake. “The guy was a pro,” the store owner speculated. The optometrist business started operating in Howard Beach in 2023, after the owner shut down Ultimate Spectacle in

M a n h at t a n , i n t he ye a r s a f t e r t he COVID-19 pandemic. BLVD Optical wasn’t the only business the thief hit that night in that part of Howard Beach. According to police, it was part of a s p r e e i n t h e pl a z a o n C r o s s B ay Boulevard. Police from the 106th Precinct, which patrols Ozone Park, South Ozone Park,

Lindenwood, Howard Beach and Old Howard Beach, received calls about three break-ins total, a spokesperson told the Chronicle. The first was at Baya Bar, at 12:30 a.m. that morning; nothing was taken, but the juice spot’s rear door was extensively damaged. “They broke the door, but they weren’t able to come in,” Ritza Guzzado, manager of Baya Bar, told the Chronicle. “The door was damaged; we had to ch a nge t he whole t h i ng,” Gu z z a do added. “It was pretty bad.” Before hitting BLVD Optical, the thief allegedly struck Nana’s at 1 a.m. Per the police, approximately $1,150 in cash and a laptop were removed from the Howard Beach restaurant Police say the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. “You could quote me on this one thing, though,” the owner of BLVD Optical added. “That guy better hope the police find him before I do. Because I am going to actively look for this guy. I could see the shoes in the video. So, it’s somebody from the neighborhood, 100 Q percent.”

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Page 6

Kids have faith in fun at church camp

Youngsters dove into a joyful program of piety and party at Assembly of God Church in Howard Beach last week, as Pastors Dan and Mariah Boll brought their Unique Kidz Ministry to the community. The Bolls, far left, next to Assembly of God’s pastor, the Rev. Stephen Roser, and his wife, Sharon, provided a program of puppets, songs and Bible lessons, following which the children enjoyed pool time, a water slide, crafts, kickball and more. Nearly 60 children attended the free King’s Kids camp, which ran for four hours each day. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

Kids take summer camp by the reins by Kristen Guglielmo

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Children living in New York City homeless shelters spent the past two weeks in the saddle at a stable, part of a free equestrian summer camp run by GallopNYC and the family shelter provider Win. The camp, at Sunrise Stables in Lindenwood, paired horseback riding, grooming and equine education with more familiar camp fare — gardening, frisbee, crafts and games, from July 27 through Aug. 7. “Partnering with Win lets us do what GallopNYC does best, which is welcome children of all backgrounds into our barn and give them a summer they will remember,” said Jennie Bucove, executive director of GallopNYC. “These campers are riding, caring for horses, and gaining confidence alongside new friends.” Founded in 2005, GallopNYC is the city’s largest therapeutic equine-assisted nonprofit, serving more than 450 New Yorkers each week. Its programs are built for riders with developmental, emotional, social and physical disabilities, and also welcome veterans, their families and seniors. “When families are navigating homeless-

GallopNYC and Win partnered to bring a free equestrian camp to kids living in homeless shelters. PHOTO COURTESY WIN

Soccer comes to Atlas Park

ness, and school is out of session for the summer, accessing meaningful therapeutic experiences is extremely difficult,” said Christine Quinn, president and CEO of Win, who said she joined the children at camp herself. Win operates 16 shelters and more than 450 units of supportive housing citywide, and served nearly 12,400 people in the past year, including more than 6,700 children. Q

Excelsior New York has claimed a piece of the Shops at Atlas Park for the summer. The Queens-based soccer club celebrated the opening of Excelsior New York Field, an outdoor 5v5 pitch at the center of the Glendale mall, at 8000 Cooper Ave., on Aug. 5, in partnership with Main Street Radiology, a medical imaging provider. The club is hosting pick-up sessions and tournaments, and rents the field for private events. For more information, one may visit

excelsiornysoccer.com/enyfield. Excelsior was founded by Howard Beach natives Giuseppe Ilarda, second from right, and brothers Giuseppe and Gianfranco Barone. The group told the Chronicle in 2024 that they wanted a semipro club built on local support rather than deep pockets. Above, Ilarda celebrates the opening with HyeJin Kwak, left, Surgey Santiago and John DiCocco. — Kristen Guglielmo

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Mayor, Council get it in gear on fast bikes Mamdani warns vendors on illegal bikes, scooters; Council plans bills, hearing by Michael Gannon

fine. The Mayor’s Office also said illegal devices found operating on city streets may Mayor Mamdani last week opened a new be impounded. But in a transcript of the Aug. 5 press confront in the city’s battle against speeding ference, Mamdani reiterated a point first e-bikes and scooters. The city has sent cease-and-desist orders raised by Corporation Counsel Steve Banks. “The point of this is not the collection of to 42 online retailers demanding they immediately stop selling devices that do not com- fines,” the mayor said. “The point is compliply with city laws to customers in the five ance. We want every single retailer to be in compliance. Our dream is that by August 18, boroughs’ 175 ZIP codes. Businesses include Amazon, Target, we are not collecting a single fine because Walmart, Best Buy, Wayfair, Temu and every one of these 42 companies is now in compliance.” others. When asked during the press conference, “Since 2017, more than 45 people have been killed while riding illegal e-bikes, Mamdani said he does not support registerincluding the young New Yorker whose life ing or licensing e-bikes and their operators, was cut short last week,” Mamdani said in a respectively. “I think the focus of today is tackling the press release from Aug. 5. “And more than 14 people have died while riding illegal stand- root causes of what has led to the loss of up scooters, including the horrific incident at many New Yorkers’ lives,” he said. “When it the Queensboro Bridge earlier this year. comes to registration for e-bikers, I do not These are not unavoidable tragedies, they are believe that that would actually improve street safety ...” preventable losses.” The City Council has not been inactive on The city said it will be monitoring things such as online advertising. The city has set a the matter. The day before Mandani’s announcement, deadline of Aug. 18 to comply. Under New York City law, it is illegal to Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) said the chamber sell or operate on is plan n i ng a public streets: sweeping review • motorized he point is not the of e - b i k e a n d stand-up scooters collection of fines. The e-scooter safety, weighing more than complete with a 100 pounds or capapoint is compliance.” p u bl ic h e a r i n g ble of traveling fastscheduled for er than 20 miles per — Mayor Mamdani Sept. 30. hour; “Every New Yorker deserves to move • e-bikes equipped with electric motors larger than 750 watts or capable of speeds around our city freely and safely, regardless of how they get around,” Menin said in exceeding 25 mph; and • seated mopeds that do not have and dis- a press release. “But too many people have been seriously injured or killed in crashes play a valid vehicle identification number. “Two of the biggest factors of the severity involving illegal, high-speed e-bikes, of a traffic crash are the speed and weight of a e-motos and e-scooters. We already have vehicle, which is why the proliferation of fast- laws on the books, yet they are not being er, heavier illegal e-mobility devices is such adequately enforced — and we must also an alarming trend on our streets,” city Trans- examine what additional legislative soluportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said. tions are needed to keep New Yorkers “While legal e-mobility remains a great safe.” Menin’s press conference included referoption to get around the city, faster illegal e-bikes and scooters are dangerous for every- ence to a number of related bills and resolutions that will be under consideration. one who shares our streets, including riders.” A Council spokesperson told the ChroniEach violation could result in a $2,000 Senior News Editor

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“T

Can you own it or ride it in New York City? Mayor Mamdani’s office provided a chart in connection with last week’s announcement of cease-and-desist letters being sent to major retailers of e-mobility devices. NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE cle in an email that the hearing will deal largely with oversight and enforcement. It will include input from city agencies such as the NYPD, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the DOT. Some of the effort, as Menin said, will involve reviewing laws already on the books, while a number of proposed bills deal with expanding enforcement. Intro. 244, sponsored by Councilmember Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) would ban the sale or rental within the city of class 3 bicycles with electric assist design. Intro. 787, sponsored by Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) would require the NYPD to report on the effectiveness of targeted traffic enforcement efforts, including how they affect safety compared to other time periods. Other bills have a more regulatory focus, including those geared toward food and other delivery services, as well as other app-based businesses. Intro. 950, sponsored by Councilmember

Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), would require delivery services to obtain a license from the DCWP in order to give the city more oversight and enforcement tools. Intro. 78, sponsored by Councilmember Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), would require third-party app companies to supply the city with data on driver ID numbers, delivery times and locations. Other related bills can be found on the council’s website at tinyurl.com/t69teth4. The Council spokesperson told the Chronicle that a number of bills also are in the drafting stage and can expect to be added before the September hearing. Majority Leader Shaun Abreu (D-Manhattan), chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was optimistic. “This legislative package will draw clear lines, helping ensure the companies who prof it from dangerous speeds are held accountable, the fast, illegal devices come off our streets, and the legal ones are safer,” Q Abreu said.

Blood donors urgently sought Reading test scores plummet Donors of all blood types are asked to contribute as the region continues to face what the New York Blood Center calls an unprecedented blood emergency. To make an appointment, one may visit nybc.org. There are several upcoming blood drives in South Queens: • NYPD 102nd Precinct, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in a busmobile at 87-34 118 St. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Sgt. Navdeep Singh; • Queens Public Library, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in a busmobile at 118-14 Hillside Ave. in Richmond Hill;

blood drive coordinator Sara Nordlicht; • Knights of Columbus Council 197, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 94-04 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Paul Eggert; • Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 89-00 Van Wyck Expwy. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Elmer Ariza; and • Geordie’s Joint, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 79-19 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven; blood drive coordinator Q Patricia Robinson.

continued from page 2 Class Size Matters. Haimson added that state trend lines are “rarely if ever replicated” on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is given every two years. “We will have to wait to see the NAEP results to see whether achievement has actually been increasing or decreasing in NYC schools,” Haimson said. Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels is quoted in Chalkbeat as saying the test scores, which reflect “dramatic swings” in reading proficiency, “raise important questions and deserve careful, rigorous analysis.” The publication also reported that, per city officials,

periodic assessments in the five boroughs showed reading improvements, differing from the state test results. The city is set to continue with NYC Reads. Mayor Mamdani in May announced an expansion of the program to more middle schools and some high schools. State Education Department spokesperson J.P. O’Hare said in a statement that the department takes the decline in ELA scores seriously and will conduct a detailed analysis to understand where students are struggling. “Our responsibility is not to create a narrative around the results, but to understand them, identify where students need additional support, and act accordingly,” O’Hare said. Q

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P A surprising setback in reading EDITORIAL

tay the course. Don’t panic. This is no time to go backwards just because progress can be uneven. That is, we think, the best philosophy in light of the disappointing new state English language arts test results for third- through eighth-graders in the city. The number of students achieving proficiency dropped six points, from 56.3 percent to 50.3 percent. In Queens, the share was a marginally better 51.3 percent, but last year it was 58.1 percent. Math scores remained virtually the same, with the citywide proficiency rate going from 56.9 percent last year to 57 percent this year, and the Queenswide share seeing a miniscule dip, from 59.4 percent to 59.2 percent. No dip is better, but two-tenths of a point is OK. It’s the reading scores that are the concern, especially so soon after the city began going back to teaching literacy through phonics, which is the only way to teach it, along with reading comprehension. The program had seemed to be getting results after implementation began in the 2023-24 school year. Last year, ELA results were up 7 points. Now those gains have been reversed. Why and how are the questions. City Schools Chan-

AGE

cellor Kamar Samuels told Chalkbeat that the results “deserve careful, rigorous analysis.” Yes, but let’s cut to the chase and not get bogged down in educratic overanalysis that just deploys buzzwords, please. And for goodness’ sake, do not tell us that either students or teachers need more “resources.” Enough already! More money per student is spent on New York City schools than it is in any other district of decent size in the country, about $44,000 a year now. It all adds up to $43 billion a year. That’s plenty of “resources.” Could it be something was off with the test itself? It sounds like excuse-making, but it’s possible. Education activists as disparate as Leonie Haimson of Class Size Matters and Yiatin Chu of Parent Leaders for Accelerated Curriculum and Education, or PLACE NYC, alluded to the possibility in comments to the Chronicle. Haimson advised waiting for national test results to see where the trends are headed, and Chu pointed to “anomalies” in the state results that raise questions. We’ll see what the analyses show. One thing’s for sure: We’re hooked on phonics and the city must remain so, too. It is the way to learn how to read.

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Mayor vs. Jewish minority Dear Editor: During a fraught discussion in an online meeting about the book “American Dirt,” a book that sparked controversy because the author wrote about Mexico even though she is not Mexican, I said that as a member of a minority, I didn’t specify which one, I would appreciate someone being so interested in my background that she would do the extensive research needed to write a book. Another member of the group, much younger, a very bright school valedictorian, a vocal Democratic Socialists of America member, commented, “A religion is not a minority.” This

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After the boat tragedy

ou cannot put 14 people on a boat with a maximum capacity of 10 and expect a safe trip. You cannot operate a boat with paying customers without the required Coast Guard certification. You cannot go out on the water with an infant on board who is not wearing a personal flotation device. Yet the man whose boat capsized in New York Harbor last Saturday is alleged to have done all that and more. Now a College Point woman and her baby are dead, leaving her partner and their other child devastated, along with many more loved ones. The boat driver’s guilt or

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was pretty shocking with all the global history we teach. It certainly was significant in the partition of India. Ask the Uighurs. I wonder if this is the unspoken thinking of the DSA. It’s a retort lined with antisemitism, with the pretense that Jews are not a minority, and with the insight of British comedian David Baddiel’s punch line “Jews Don’t Count.” I also wonder if this idea doesn’t inform Mayor Mamdani’s thinking, often hidden, but often revealed in his specific statements about all things Israel without nuance or qualification. He acts without any ambivalence when there is a different main character in the narrative. Maya Angelou counsels us to believe someone when they “show(s) you who they are.” The mayor recently said that the 18-person committee, composed of legal professionals, that will advise him on judicial nominations, reflected the city it served. However, not a single Jew sits on that committee. Ten percent of the city’s population is Jewish. Conservative

innocence will be determined in court. And we welcome any crackdown the authorities already may have launched on sketchy seaborne operations. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help those left behind. As of press time it had brought in nearly $44,000, with a goal of $100,000. That’s one way for those who can afford it to help do what’s right for a man and his son going through the worst of times right now. We hope justice is achieved for Sara Sanchez and her baby, Antonella Garcia, and that their survivors can find peace and happiness in the future despite all they’ve lost.

estimates say that 30 percent of the city’s legal professionals are Jewish. A clever politician once advised civil rights leaders to “watch what we do, not what we say.” I’m watching. It seems the mayor has found his own private reflecting pool. Imaginary vandals are the problem, not his reprehensible policy. Debra Michlewitz Bayside

License e-bike riders Dear Editor: Re your Aug. 6 editorial “Some e-bike rules at last?”: Talk about over-reaction, 17 bills to regulate e-bikes were proposed by NY City Council members due to the death of an e-bike rider killed in a collision with an automobile. But the real remedy for e-bike danger lies in Albany, where the problem began. The New York State Legislature legalized e-bikes on April 1, 2020.

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Climate doom at hand Dear Editor: Thanks to climate change, the average heat season has increased from 23 days to 70 days over the last 50 years, according to Public Citizen, a consumer protection organization founded by Ralph Nader. Summers now cause anxiety over weather that includes extreme heat, hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, etc. This year, we had the worst spring drought on record, with Utah declaring an emergency due to its low water supply. Big oil companies have known for decades that they are causing climate change. In 1982, the American Petroleum Institute issued a report warning that climate change would have serious consequences for our comfort and survival. According to AARP, emergency room visits for tick bites are extremely high. That’s because climate change has caused tick season to last longer and become more severe. Ticks like warm and wet weather, and tick ranges are expanding. Tick bites can cause Lyme disease with flu-like symptoms and neurological problems if untreated. According to Public Citizen, rising ocean temperatures are making hurricanes more likely and storms are staying stronger farther continued on next page

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Dear Editor: On Aug. 5, New York became the 14th jurisdiction in the USA to allow a person the option of medical aid in dying. In New York State, the Medical Aid in Dying Act gives mentally capable adults suffering from a terminal illness the ability to determine when and how their life ends. A person can seek a prescription of medication that may be self-ingested to bring about a peaceful death if suffering becomes too great. The legislation includes strong guardrails: the MD’s certified prognosis of six months or less to live; the determination that the person is mentally capable as determined by a psychiatrist or psychologist; a fiveday waiting period between requesting and receiving the medication; and availability only to New York residents. It took more than a decade to make MAID legal. Twenty-nine New York advocates for MAID died waiting for this option. The majority spent their final months, weeks and days of life in intense pain and suffering. Medicine no longer had something to offer them to ease their agony. This law honors their advocacy, their sharing of their courageous journey and their lives. All people deserve respect for their bodily autonomy and the right to make choices regarding end-of-life care decisions in accordance with their beliefs and personal values. New Yorkers overwhelmingly support MAID by a 72-23 percent margin (YouGov poll, 2024). Terminally ill New Yorkers have access to MAID, starting today. Gov. Hochul has said that medical aid in dying “gives New Yorkers the choice to suffer less — to shorten not their lives, but their deaths.” Today, we honor the memory of those who suffered and died waiting for MAID to become law and welcome the compassionate option for all New Yorkers. Arelis Torres Elmhurst

It’s all too taxing

Dear Editor: Mayor Mamdani’s rollout of New York City’s new pied-à-terre tax got off on the wrong foot, rudely requiring mostly elites to prove primary residence in their invariably undertaxed abodes. All they have to do is fill out a form or have their lawyer do it, but these NYC property tax system beneficiaries are apparently touchy about any potential threats to their privilege. These poobahs are also upset that the city (per custom) published names and addresses associated with properties slated to get letters containing the impudent threat: “Our records indicate the property above may be subject to the new surcharge.” One of them, the very liberal City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, told The New York Times she had been in favor of the pied-à-terre tax but was rethinking her support after hearing from angry Upper West Side constituents worried about their names turning up on the lists, too. Principled liberalism in action. On their behalf an overtly sympathetic NY1 did a profile of another of these victims, owner of a five-story, single-family brownstone in Park Slope (it figures). The NY1 camera lingers over the well-appointed interior, fine art, nice furniture, exposed brick and original hardwood floors with modern kitchen. The owner tells NY1 he believes in the pied-à-terre tax and is strongly concerned about the gross inequality in the city but the city shouldn’t go about that by harassing middle-class homeowners needlessly. NY1 did not report that the current annual tax on his $5,225,000 home is $15,000. That would be $50,000 in Forest Hills. Maybe he should just shut up and fill out the form? Edwin Eppich Glendale

The City Council approved e-bikes in June 2020. Records show that there have been 133 e-bike-related crash fatalities citywide with most occurring since then. New Jersey’s Legislature recently passed an e-bike safety bill requiring riders to be at least 15 years old and wear helmets. They must have a valid driver’s license or motorized bike license. They must also be insured and have their bikes registered with New Jersey’s Motor Vehicles Commission. New York’s Legislature must pass a similar bill. I urge our elected officials, including state Sen. Leroy Comrie and Assemblyman Sam Berger, who represent Kew Gardens Hills residents, to draft such legislation and pressure its passage by both chambers. Their failure to do so would mean they ignore their constituents’ safety. Legislators must dismiss woke warriors’ concern that strong e-bike safety laws may expose immigrant riders to the criminal justice system. Reckless riders must be prosecuted regardless of their immigration status. Being an “unauthorized” immigrant does not give anyone a license to kill or injure pedestrians or other riders. Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Page 12

Anything for the love of learning Three Queens students transfer from community college to the Ivy League by Kristina Raevsky

De León Berroa immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic This fall, three Queens students will be when she was 17 years old, but had to wait moving on from community colleges to nearly a decade before she could obtain prestigious Ivy League universities thanks financial aid and enroll in college due to her to the Kaplan Educational Foundation’s pending immigration status. “Moving to the United States completely Kaplan Leadership Program. Established in 2006, the program helps changed my life,” De León Berroa told the high-potential, low-income and underserved Chronicle via email. “I arrived as a teenager community college students complete their and quickly became the person my family associate degrees, transfer and go on to earn relied on to translate documents, communicate with schools and govbachelor’s degrees at the ernment agencies, and navination’s most highly selecgate systems that were tive schools. aplan Leadership completely new to us. Throughout the intense “Those exper iences prog ram, K LP scholars Program helps taught me independence receive monthly stipends and resilience at a young and at tend professional scholars reach age. They also showed me development workshops for how overwhelming these financial literacy, resume their goals. systems can be for families building, fine dining etiwho are trying to build a quette and more. When it is time to apply to colleges, advi- new life, which is one of the reasons I sors assist the KLP Scholars through numer- became interested in public policy and evenous essay drafts and answer any questions tually immigration law. Ultimately, De León Berroa’s experiences that come up. One KLP scholar in this year’s cohort is influenced her to aim to attend law school Pamela De León Berroa of Bayside, who is and pursue a career in immigration law and transferring from Queensborough Commu- public policy. She says, “I hope to help crenity College, where she majored in criminal ate policies that are informed by the lived justice, to Yale, where she will major in experiences of immigrant families and contribute to making our immigration system political science. Chronicle Contributor

LETTERS TO THE continued from previous page inland, while generating more rain. Our summers didn’t just get longer and hotter. Oil companies knew they were causing dangerous climate change, but that didn’t stop them from doing business as usual. Linda Imhauser Whitestone

Elections and abortions Dear Editor: Herewith my reply to Debra Michlewitz, whose letter of panic about women supposedly losing voting rights at the hands of President Trump appeared in the Aug. 6 issue (“I vote; therefore, I am”). Just what is this Trump policy that is looking to abridge the voting rights of women? So long as you are an American citizen, you have nothing to fear. She advocates the states having the right to manage their voting rolls. Yet much the same concept applies to abortion. The Supreme Court did not ban abortion. It merely allowed each state to determine its own abortion laws. I find it hypocritical that many on the left feel the federal government ought to stay out of state voting procedures, but they oppose the rights of states to establish their own abortion laws. The Constitution specifically states that powers not enumerated to the federal government are assigned to the states. That means, among others, voting laws and abortion. The latter is not a constitutional issue. Therefore the individual states each decide. It can’t be both ways. Edward Riecks Howard Beach

Pamela De León Berroa, left, Ty Porter and Nataly Briones will transfer to top universities this fall. PHOTOS BY PHE STUDIOS She aims to pursue a doctoral degree and said, “I really want to be able to use my education to help support marginalized communities reach better health and wellness outcomes. I want to be able to change how people view mental health, finding ways to care better for ourselves everyday, not just when we are in crisis. “I also think about the long term effects of AI on our health, the good and the bad, so I want to be working in a field that is forward thinking, but holistic, ethical and for the greater good.” Briones says the experience was made all the more meaningful by the community within the cohort of students, the staff who were part of earlier cohorts and could really understand the current KLP scholars and the social workers who helped navigate the overwhelming process. “You get to share this very unique and intimate experience together,” she said. Being able to attend Brown makes Briones “feel like anything is possible and I want to share that message with others who have the burning desire to pursue their education.” Nolvia Delgado, executive director of KEF, said in a statement, “Twenty years ago, K EF set out to prove that talent abounds in U.S. community colleges; it just needs a door opened. Our scholars embody the exceptional, yet often overlooked talent in community colleges, including non-traditional age learners, recent immigrants, and first-generation college students. “As we celebrate this year’s cohort, we are not just marking their individual achievements, but honoring KEF’s 20-year Q legacy of transformational impact.”

Photo contest! It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, they say. So is entering the Queens Chronicle’s 18th annual Summer in the Borough Photo Contest! Where’s your submission? Go out and take your best shots of families gathering, children playing, workers working, lovely landscapes, birds on the bay — whatever says “summertime in Queens.” If you need some inspiration, look at one of 2024’s cowinners, above, taken by Linda Barone: a canine car congress. As to the rules, there are a few, so please go to tinyurl.com/yafmtxv3 to see them. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The winner gets a $50 gift card. The deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 23, the day after summer ends. Good luck! — Peter C. Mastrosimone

PHOTO BY LINDA BARONE

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Stop Israeli bombs Dear Editor: Israel bombed Gaza on Aug. 2, killing 19 and wounding 70, mostly women and children. As devastated as the territory of Gaza is already, with over 70,000 inhabitants killed, the continued bombing of that territory is an abomination. What is happening in Gaza is excessive retribution, and many Americans do not support that carnage, as recent polls pertaining to Israel indicate. The administration and Congress have to rein in Israel’s continued bombing of Gaza. If not, we’ll see the issue negatively affect elections on both sides of the aisle, particularly since some Democratic Socialists are making it part of their platform for change, while they juxtapose war spending and replenishment against the financial deficiencies facing American families. Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

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more fair and accessible.” De León Berroa showed her appreciation for the KLP, saying it “gave me much more than guidance through the transfer process. It gave me conf idence and a sense of community.” Another KLP scholar is Ty Porter of Ridgewood. After pursuing acting and dance professionally, he returned to school and graduated with honors distinction from Borough of Manhattan Community College, where he majored in sociology because he “wanted to better understand how social systems shape communities and people’s lives.” Porter will be attending Brown this fall, where he will pursue a double concentration in international and public affairs (policy and governance) and economics (public policy). While at Brown, Porter hopes to “study abroad to learn more about comparative politics and public policy. I want to understand how different countries address social issues so I can bring those insights into policy reform here in the United States.” Porter told the Chronicle, “My goal is to become a lawyer working at the intersection of law and public policy, advocating for equitable policies and expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities. For me, success isn’t just about opening doors for myself — it’s about holding those doors open so others can walk through them too.” Porter believes the KLP was invaluable in helping him obtain admission, saying, “The Kaplan Leadership Program gave me the resources and support to be competitive throughout the transfer process.” Porter will be joined at Brown by fellow KLP scholar Nataly Briones of Forest Hills, who transferred from LaGuardia Community College with a human services (mental health) major to the university with anthropology and philosophy concentrations. Briones returned to school at age 34, telling the Chronicle, “Being a first generation student and a mother of four, including one with special needs, certainly made higher education feel alien to me and although it was something I always wanted to do, I didn’t know how to do it.”

Woodhaven bodybuilder Tyler Lowther hits the world stage in September by Kristina Raevsky

invaluable in helping Lowther quickly advance to the next level of bodybuilding. Only six months after his debut competition, he earned One of Queens’ very own will be competing in a bodyhis pro card by scoring first-place amateur wins in both building world championship next month. Tyler Lowther, 33, of Woodhaven, qualified for the Bodybuilding Novice and Bodybuilding Open at OCB’s Organization of Competition Bodies Yorton Cup Pro Big Apple Competition in New York in August 2024. “Though Bodybuilding may appear to be an individual World Championships, and will compete in Charlotte, sport, the truth is that none of what I’ve achieved would be NC, on Sept. 20. The Yorton Cup, known as the “Super Bowl of Natural possible without my team,” Lowther said in a statement. “My Coach, Zach, oversees every area of strength and Bodybuilding,” is the most prestigious and competitive muscle development and also designs event of its kind, his supporters pointed my stage routines, while my Nutritionout. ist, Shereen, is a genius when it comes Lowther qualified for the world one of what I’ve to diet and nutrition prep. There is no championship after placing first in the I could have achieved this win Pro Bodybuilding Division at the OCB achieved would be way without the two of them, or without the Battle of the Godz 2025 Regional Comunending support of my wife Jessica, petition in Rhode Island. possible without who is my rock.” OCB is the world’s largest and most With the world championship soon prestigious all-natural bodybuilding my team.” approaching, Lowther has been trainfederation. OCB strictly prohibits the — Tyler Lowther ing tirelessly with his team helping use of performance-enhancing drugs, him every step of the way. screening all competitors before and The best natural bodybuilders in the world will have to after each event. Lowther, a personal trainer and assistant general man- face five-time Yorton Champion Magnum McCrae, but ager at New York Sports Clubs in Rego Park, began body- Lowther is ready to give it his all against the bodybuilding building in 2024 and immediately fell in love with the champ. “It was an honor to have Magnum present my 1st-place sport, dedicating himself to sculpting his body through medal at Battle of the Godz,” Lowther said. training, diet and exercise. “He’s an absolute legend and the best this sport has He assembled a team of Queens professionals from his ever seen, but I look forward to going toe-to-toe with him colleagues at the sports club to help him succeed. Personal coach Zachary Clark and nutritionist Shereen at Yorton. I’ll be training harder than I ever have in my Samra, both also trainers at Rego Park’s NYSC, were life, and I intend to give him an unforgettable battle.” Q Chronicle Contributor

“N

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026

Bodybuilder set to compete globally

Tyler Lowther celebrated his first Pro win with personal nutritionist Shereen Samra, left, and Personal Coach Zachary Clark in November 2025. PHOTO BY JESSICA BODETA

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Page 14

Babies on board — far more comfortably MTA bringing Open Stroller seating to all local and SBS buses in NYC by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Parents pushing strollers soon will have an easier time getting settled on city buses. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week announced plans to expand its pilot Open Stroller program to all local and Select Bus Service routes across all five boroughs at a press conference in Manhattan. Open Stroller seating works on the same principle as seating for wheelchair users. Each bus depending on its model eventually will have either an existing space or a pair of adjacent seats by the rear door that can fold upward. All buses ordered since 2024 came with dedicated stroller space already built in. The rest are being retrofitted. “The expansion of the Open Stroller program allows us to make buses more accessible for more riders while providing fast, safe, reliable service for New Yorkers and their families,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow in a press release. “We Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Manhattan Borough President and former Assemblyman Brad understand even the youngest New Yorkers Hoylman-Sigal supported $1.5 million in Open Stroller funding in Albany. PHOTO BY MARC HERMANN have places to be and we’re ensuring our bus marked with a similar decal. There can only traveling with children in strollers while prenetwork continues to get them there.” The pilot program began in 2003. Buses be one open stroller at a time. If the space is in serving equitable access for riders who use with stroller accommodations are identifiable use already, customers must still fold their mobility devices like me,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “This by virtue of prominent stickers on the outside stroller prior to boarding. “The Open Stroller program expands access expansion brings us one step closer to our goal of the vehicle. Once inside the bus, the designated space is to our bus network for parents and caregivers of creating a transit system that is accessible

for everyone, and I thank our elected partners for their support in making it possible.” MTA officials said the expansion is possible through a $1.5 million grant from the state Legislature. The transit agency said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) was one of the supporters. “Every parent or caregiver knows that getting around the city with a young child can be challenging, and something as simple as boarding a bus shouldn’t add unnecessary stress,” Rozic said in the MTA’s statement. “That’s why I was proud to have secured state funding for the Open Stroller program expansion across New York City’s bus network as a meaningful investment in making public transit more accessible, convenient, and welcoming for families. Ensuring more of us can travel safely and with greater ease strengthens our transit system and makes it work for everyone.” “With a permanent Open Stroller policy coming to buses citywide, many more New Yorkers can look forward to easier access to the promise of transit and to all the necessities and opportunities that the city offers ...” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. “We’re very pleased to see this inclusive program now becoming a permanent part of our public infrastructure and welcoming Q the newest New Yorkers aboard.”

Right to Worship aim is to shield services Suozzi co-sponsors bill with civil fines and right to sue violators by Michael Gannon

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Senior News Editor

U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Suffolk, Queens) is a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would establish 100-foot federal buffer zones buffer zones to protect houses of worship during services. The Right to Worship Act also would make it illegal to knowingly engage in “conduct that unreasonably hinders or deters a person from entering a house of worship, or that threatens or intimidates a person, in a manner that prevents participation at a scheduled religious service.” The bill is co-sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC). The companion bill in the U.S. Senate is sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Alissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) The eight-page House bill can be read online at tinyurl. com/45yr9b4j. In an Aug. 6 statement from his office, Suozzi said the bill improves on similar legislation he introduced last April by imposing civil fines on more kinds of disruptive conduct that were not covered by the original legislation. It also empowers individuals, state attorneys general or the U.S. attorney general to sue violators, but does not, according to the congressman, apply to peaceful expression that would be considered protected by the First Amendment. “Exercising your right to worship should not require you to exhibit particular courage as you enter your synagogue, church, mosque, temple, mandir, or gurdwara,” Suozzi said. “I will always stand up for people’s right to protest peacefully, but attendees of religious services should not be harassed, threatened, intimidated, or targeted for practicing their faith. I am proud to lead this bipartisan and bicameral Right to

Individual worshipers and the attorneys general of the United States and individual states would be able to sue individuals who knowingly disrupt religious services under a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi. Fines also would be imposed. U.S. HOUSE Worship Act that both protects free speech and the freedom to worship.” “Today, many Americans are unable to worship without fear of harassment, assault, or other forms of intimidation,” Knott said. “The right to worship freely is foundational to our nation and was one of the motivations for its founding. No American should ever feel that their choice is between worshiping in fear and not worshiping at all.” Queens has seen a number of disruptions outside of synagogues in the last year, though they were not during services. The City Council this past spring passed a pair of bills

establishing buffer zones around houses of worship and schools. Mayor Mamdani in April signed the house of worship bill but vetoed the school measure, claiming, among other things that it might infringe on free speech. A later bill that was limited to cover childcare facilities, elementary, middle and junior high schools and nonpublic high schools; and was heavy on police preventive measures. It passed this summer and became law after the mayor returned it unsigned and unvetoed. Suozzi’s statement said the legislation creates a civil prohibition against “conduct that unreasonably hinders or deters a person from entering a house of worship, or that threatens or intimidates a person, in a manner that prevents participation at a scheduled religious service.” For the law to apply, an individual or group must “knowingly” engage in the conduct, meaning “that the person is aware or reasonably should be aware that the person’s conduct will cause such disruption or impediment.” It establishes a civil fine structure that increases with each offense, beginning at $2,500 and up to $10,000 per violation. To ensure impacted worshippers are able to seek appropriate recourse, the bill creates a right of action which can include injunctive relief, monetary damages and legal costs Among the listed supporters of the bill are the Anti-Defamation League; Agudath Israel of America; American Jewish Committee; BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; Coalition of Hindus of North America; Hadassah; The Women’s Zionist Organization of America; Hindu American Foundation; Islamic Society of North America; Jewish Federations of North America; UJA-Federation of New York; Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America; and United Q Sikhs.

PHOTOS COURTESY NYPD

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Jewelry scammers sought Police are seeking two miscreants, allegedly the men seen here, for swindling a woman in Woodhaven out of $5,000 worth of jewelry on Aug. 8. It was about 10:50 a.m. when the pair rolled up on a 69-year-old woman walking in front of 86-75 78 St. in a light gray BMW SUV, according to the NYPD. They got out and told her they had a winning lottery ticket but could not cash it due to their immigration status. They then coerced her to exchange jewelry she was wearing for the ticket, and took pieces valued at approximately $5,000 from her. Next they asked her to buy pain medica-

tion for them, and when she entered a drugstore to do it, they split. One was wearing a white shirt, khaki pants, and a newsboy cap. The other was in all black clothing and a black baseball cap. Police hope you can help identify and locate them. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline. org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

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New tax trials and secrets Whatever happens with the new property tax on higher-end second homes, now being challenged in court, one thing is clear: The city will not say how many people in Queens could face the levy. Approximately 17,000 property owners citywide received letters saying they could be subject to the “pied-a-terre” tax, which is set to hit one-, two- and three-family homes worth at least $5 million and co-ops and condos valued at $1 million or more. That followed an initial posting online of approximately 960,000 properties; City Hall quickly said that was not the real list.

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Among the 960,000, the Chronicle found that 322,301 residences were in Queens, a bit more than one-third. Does that mean a little more than one-third of the 17,000 properties, roughly 5,700, are in Queens? That is unknown. The mayor’s press office declined several times to give a number, and the Chronicle could not find a borough breakdown reported anywhere online. Meanwhile, a state Supreme Court judge halted implementation of the tax after some homeowners sued the city over it. ArguQ ments are set for Aug. 31. — Peter C. Mastrosimone

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Friends rally to help the Garcia family College Point mother, 27, baby daughter die in boat accident; GoFundMe set up by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the family of a College Point woman who died with her 5-month-old daughter Saturday night in a boating accident near Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The page set up by Il Punto Ristorante in Manhattan and Marco LaGuardia Hotel had raised nearly $44,000 toward its goal of $100,000 for Andres Garcia and, Salvador, 6, his son with Sara Sanchez, 27, as of the Chronicle’s deadline on Wednesday. Sanchez and the couple’s daughter, Antonella Garcia, died after the boat capsized with 12 others aboard. Funeral arrangements were unknown. “On Saturday night, August 8, our friend and colleague Andres Garcia experienced a loss that no husband or father should ever have to endure,” the GoFundMe page states. “In the tragic boating accident in New York Harbor near Liberty Island, Andres lost his beloved partner Sara Sanchez, 27 years old, and their precious 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Andres was also on the boat that night,” the message added. “While trying to process the unimaginable loss of Sara and baby Antonella, Andres must now find the strength to move forward and be there for their 6-year-old son, Salvador, who has also suffered a heartbreaking loss.”

Sara Sanchez and Andres Garcia of College Point are seen here celebrating in images from a recent family portrait. Sanchez and the couple’s 5-month-old daughter died in a boating accident in New York Harbor last Saturday. GOFUNDME PHOTOS / IL PUNTO RISTORANTE “Those of us who know and work with Andres want to come together around him and their son during the most difficult time of their lives.” The page can be found at tinyurl.com/ yby62tvs. Published reports state that the family was celebrating a friend’s birthday. The U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD said Sunday in press releases that they are continuing their investigations.

Police said boat operator, Manuel Hernandez of Manville, NJ, was charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. He subsequently was hit with additional federal charges [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com]. Both police and the FDNY received calls for a capsized boat with people in the water just before 10:30 p.m. The Coast Guard said two of its vessels joined four from the FDNY and two from

the NYPD’s Harbor Unit in response, along with a police helicopter. The Fire Department press release reported that the NYPD Scuba Dive Team rescued the 12 survivors. Police said Sanchez and her daughter were transported by EMS to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in critical condition. They were later pronounced dead. Capt. Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander, said a civilian vessel also responded to the scene. She said the Coast Guard Investigative Services unit, in coordination with the NYPD, is investigating the cause of the accident. The USCG is investigating whether the boat was used i n a n illegal cha r ter operation. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” McCarthy said in a prepared statement. “We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water. “We are working closely with CGIS and the NYPD to investigate this incident. We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to the highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our Q waterways.”

Feds charge boat operator in deaths U.S. Attorney: ‘misconduct and neglect’ in crash that killed woman and baby by Michael Gannon

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Senior News Editor

The alleged operator of the boat that Sara Sanchez and her 5-month old daughter Antonella Garcia were riding in when it overturned last Saturday night has been charged with negligently causing their deaths, Jamie McDonald, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Monday. Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, NJ, was charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. McDonald and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch leveled multiple accusations against Hernandez in a joint press release with Josh Packer, the assistant director in charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. He was presented Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo. “Federal regulations and maritime safety protocols exist to protect the lives and wellbeing of passengers on commercial vessels,” McDonald said in a statement. “The defendant allegedly flouted those regulations when he transported paying customers on a commercial vessel without appropriate licenses, overcrowded the vessel, and took on a five-month-old infant passenger, with no infant life vests onboard. We mourn the tragic drowning deaths of the infant and her mother and urge would-be tour operators and the public to observe all safety protocols for commercial vessels.” “Illegal charter operations gamble with human life, and in this case, the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy,” Packer said. “As the Coast Guard’s criminal investigative agency, CGIS brings unmatched maritime subject-matter expertise coupled with federal law enforcement authority.

The boat from Saturday’s fatal crash near Liberty Island is removed from the water. Fourteen people allegedly were aboard. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. DOJ Working with our federal, state and local partners, we will continue to investigate those who ignore passenger vessel safety laws and put the public in danger.”

Tisch said as alleged in the complaint that Hernandez showed a complete disregard for the safety of his passengers when he operated an over-capacity boat without a license. “This tragedy could have been prevented, and now a family is left to grieve the unimaginable loss of a mother and her fivemonth-old daughter because of his negligence,” Tisch said. “I am grateful to our NYPD Harbor and Aviation Units for their swift response and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for bringing these charges.” According to the allegations contained in the complaint, Hernandez was operating the Yamaha AR210 vessel when it capsized in New York Harbor, resulting in the deaths of Sanchez and Garcia [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com]. “At the time of the capsizing, Hernandez was the pilot and operator of the Vessel and conducting a tour for paying customers that had been arranged through a tour operations company,” it states, saying Hernandez’s negligent actions and omissions caused the capsizing. The complaint accuses Hernandez of operating with 14 people onboard despite a maximum capacity of 10; knowingly operating with an infant onboard, knowing that the infant was not wearing a personal flotation device and that the boat was not equipped with any child- or infant-sized PFDs; and that he had not obtained a merchant mariner credential, a required Coast Guard certification to operate the vessel with paying customers onboard. He allegedly also operated the boat without a valid USCG certificate of inspection, which is required for a vessel to operate with paying customers onboard, “and, in fact, the Vessel was of a type and size that made it ineligible to receive a COI for the type of operation conducted by Hernandez.” Q

August 13, 2026

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026

ARTS, ART ARTS TS C CULTURE & LIVING

Who shot Arthur? by Mark Lord

wants a peaceful time at the garden show. The house party his nephew and ward set up interrupts those plans, finding Ludgrove playing host to a half-dozen or so guests, two of whom murder him as revenge stemming from an encounter many years earlier, with the audience serving as witnesses. What a relief it is as a reviewer to not have to fear divulging too much of a play’s plot! It’s a shame Ludgrove is bumped off so early in the proceedings, as he’s embodied by longtime Gingerbread Player Andrew Dinan, who delivers another solid performance.

In fact, this is a rare example of a production, which was seen at last Friday’s dress rehearsal, one day prior to opening, in which every cast member — down to the walk-ons — remains totally in character throughout. One quibble is that several of the actors needed to project their voices more forcefully. Another veteran of the group, Jean Tessier, took over the directorial reins at the last minute, yet she honed the actors into a fine ensemble, eliciting assured characterizations from all. Since the two killers are known from early on continued on page 19

For the latest news visit qchron.com

British B itii h writer it it A.A. A A Milne, Mil Mi remembered most today as the creator of the Winnie-the-Pooh book series, was actually known primarily as a playwright until his great success with the beloved teddy bear. One of his plays, “The Fourth Wall,” was first staged in London in 1928 and had an eight-month run on Broadway beginning later that same year under a new title, “The Perfect Alibi.” This weekend, Queens theatergoers have two remaining opportunities to see this rarely performed piece, the current attraction offered by The Gingerbread Players in Forest Hills. The play, a murder mystery that lets the audience in on the “whodunit” practically from the top, is set over a weekend in a country house (as many such plays are!) owned by one Arthur Ludgrove, a retired police inspector who only

In this play, the killers know, and so do you

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026 Page 18

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Judd Apatow laughed like a toddler in Bellerose

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1 Sheepish “Hello!” 4 Out of control 8 Regretted 12 U.S. Navy vessel 13 -- Crunch (breakfast cereal) 14 Singer Guthrie 15 Mel of baseball 16 Manitoba tribe 17 The same 18 Cold-hardy salad veggie 21 Whatever amount 22 Green shade 23 Kick out 26 Send electronically 27 Extinct bird 30 Sunrise direction 31 Future flower 32 Border on 33 Tipsy 34 A Bobbsey twin 35 Dish 36 Cat’s coat 37 Three, in Rome 38 Young person, metaphorically 45 Mideast airline 46 Bern’s river 47 Actress Longoria 48 Lighten 49 Wall St. debuts 50 Profit 51 Times Sq. force 52 Salamander 53 Hosp. areas

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by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

DOWN 1 Gust 2 Wine region 3 Envelope abbr. 4 Emphasize 5 Tie the knot 6 Autobahn auto 7 Skateboarder’s protection 8 Indian yogurt dish 9 Language of Pakistan 10 Power co. supply

11 Stadium top 19 Diplomacy 20 -- -Mex cuisine 23 Long, skinny fish 24 -- alai 25 Proposal fig. 26 Gaiety 27 CEO’s degree, often 28 Chic no more 29 Chowed down 31 Shopper’s quest 32 Novelist Waugh

34 Mother Teresa, for one 35 Mass celebrant 36 Mailed a tax return 37 Toss 38 Beheld 39 Stage show 40 Grate 41 Superhero’s garment 42 Vegas game 43 Always 44 D.C. baseball team

Morris “Maury” Apatow was born Dec. 17, 1942. The son of a prosperous pharmacy owner, on April 4, 1964, he married Tamara Shadrinsky, aka Shad, born July 7, 1943, whose father owned Mainstream Records. Apatow was a successful real estate developer, and they set up their home in a luxury complex called the Monte Excelsior, at 24520 Grand Central Pkwy. in Bellerose (the complex says it’s in Little Neck). Their first child, Robert, was born March 13, 1966; the second, Judd, on Dec. 6, 1967. The birth of Mia, on May 2, 1970, may have made it necessary for them all to move to Syosset, LI, for more room. In 1979 the family broke up as the parents divorced and the three kids moved in with different relatives. Judd started doing stand-up comedy while still at Syosset High School. He hosted a radio show and interviewed big-name comics along with rising stars. He dropped out of college after his second year and moved in with Adam Sandler, as they made their journey together in comedy. Apatow did a lot of uncredited comedy film

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rewriting and married Leslie Mann on June 9, 1997, after meeting her on the set of “The Cable Guy.” They had two daughters and are still happily married today. Apatow hit it big in the early 2000s as producer or director on films such as “Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up.” He is still very active and fans look forQ ward to his next movie.

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As expected, the Mets overturned a third of their roster at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Keith Hernandez, the Mets Hall of Famer and SNY broadcaster, joked that the club cleared out its trash. Hernandez quickly apologized for the remark even though anyone who knows him realizes it was tongue-in-cheek. Contending teams would not have been interested in acquiring these players if they were awful. What Keith was saying was these trades were necessitated because the season had become a dumpster fire. The general rule of thumb for deadline deals is the buying team wants proven veteran talent to bolster a playoff run, while the selling team wants to shed salaries and acquire young prospects. Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown a willingness to throw in cash to a buyer to pay off a high salary if that team is willing to send a premium prospect in return. Given that Luke Weaver was one of the most sought-after relievers, it was surprising to learn the Mets paid $8 million dollars to the Pittsburgh Pirates in addition to giving them Weaver. The Pirates, in turn, sent minor league shortstop Sammy Stafura, who grew up in Westchester, to the Mets. He had better be an impact player in Queens soon. If you put stock in the Major League Baseball prospect ranking system, the top minor leaguer

the Mets received last week was slugging infielder Jefferson Rojas from the Chicago Cubs. The Mets sent Clay Holmes, their most dependable starting pitcher over the last two seasons until he was struck by a line drive off the bat of the Yankees’ Spencer Jones in mid-May. He had been on the injured list since. Also going to the north side of the Windy City is Tyrone Taylor, the Mets’ best defensive outfielder and most reliable hitter since the All-Star break. Taylor lived in Astoria during the season since joining the Mets in 2024. He knew he was going to be traded and told me two days before being dealt he was going to miss the neighborhood, especially its many ethnic restaurants. With the Mets trading every reliever by the beginning of August except closer Devin Williams, the team was forced to call up reinforcements from its Syracuse AAA affiliate. One of those was fireballer Jefry Yan. He quickly became the talk of baseball when he struck out the Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Martinez, who is a close friend. Yan immediately jumped up and down and did a leg split that Todd Zeile said reminded him of James Brown. Opposing managers should warn their hitters not to mimic Yan’s celebratory antics when they hit a home run off him. They might pull a calf or Q back muscle. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

by Michael Gannon editor

After more that three months touring the borough, the 13th annual season of the Queensboro Dance Festival is planning a smash, daylong finale for its performers and, of course, its fans, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Aug. 15. The celebration begins outdoors with guests mingling at noon at the Unisphere with performers from the 20 Queens-based dance companies that have performed all summer. A procession will eventually head to a dance party in the lobby of Queens Theatre at 1 p.m. before culminating with performances at 2, 5 and 7 p.m., each with a different cast of performers. Karesia Batan, the group’s founding executive director, said it is a family-friendly event with the likelihood of something for everyone. “This is such a hidden gem of the borough,” Batan told the Chronicle. “There is so much talent here that we are really trying to platform and get the broader public to know that high-quality local dance performances should be for everyone. And we try it make it as accessible as we can.” All of the dance troupes are based in Queens, yet have performances with roots

Kofago Traji Dance Ensemble will perform Aug. 15 at the season-ending celebration of PHOTO BY ROBIN MICHAELS / QDF the Queensboro Dance Festival tour. in five continents. “But you don’t need to travel very far to come and enjoy the wonderful dance programming,” Batan said. She said the process begins every year in February when the QDF puts out its annual call for proposals. “We put out a call for any Queens-based dance group,” Batan said. “They are asked to submit a proposal. They apply and then

we meet and curate the festival.” The selected groups then entertain across the borough from May to midAugust. And even though they are wellknown in the dance community, Batan said there still is a good deal of outreach necessary beyond that sphere. “We’ve worked with over 200 dance groups,” Batan said. “And we know there are a lot more out there who we have yet to

engage with.” Tickets this year, she said, are on a “paywhat-you-can” scale, even when ordering online. The cost ranges from $12 to $52 per individual show or $36 to $81 for a passport to see all three. Moving inside the theater following the 1 p.m. dance party, the 2 p.m. main stage show will feature Na Pua Lani Nuioka; AhMolla Dance Collective; Silvana Brizuela Weigel; San Simon Cochabamba; Flamenco Latino; RH Moves; and Manhatitlan. The 5 p.m. show features Robert Mark Dance; Kinding Sindaw; The Kingdom Dance Co.; Cole Collective; Allpayana Danza Tradicional Ecuatoriana; and Drye/ Marinaro Dance Co. The festival and the summer season conclude beginning at 7 p.m. with the Queens Ballet Collective; Gotham Dance Theater; Jatary Sunchy Danza y Proyección Escénica; Cucala Dance Co.; Kofago Taraji; Cordillera Cultural Ensemble and Neela Zareen. For those looking to see one show or three, Batan said food options will range from concessions in the lobby to the nearby Queens Night Market, which will run from 4 p.m. to midnight. Tickets and further information are availQ able at queenstheatre.org.

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026

Queensboro dance tour saving the best for last

This weekend’s gonna be murder in Forest Hills

Crossword Answers

murderers lead the two officials to conclude the death was a suicide. The finding doesn’t sit right with the dead man’s ward, a young woman named Susan Cunningham, who has become suspicious, having spent a great deal of time reading and analyzing detective stories. Her natural instincts seemingly prove more reliable than the observations of the pros, and she ultimately unravels the truth. Susan is played by a newcomer to the group, Angelina Kelly, a fine actress with a most expressive face. She is paired with David Stetson, another first-timer, as Jimmy Ludgrove, the victim’s nephew, a charming fellow who comes off not nearly as intuitive as Susan. Among the other characters are Mr. Carter (one of the murderers, played assuredly by Mike Miller), who must think fast when scrutinized for some inconsistencies in his alibi, and his accomplice, Edward Laverick (an amusingly eccentric turn by Will Frenzel). Pete Donato plays a composed suspect, Major Fothergill; Snezhana Chernyavskaya is the extremely vain widow, Mrs. Fane, whose attention the major covets; Beverly Daros, long cigarette holder never far from her lips,

The full cast of The Gingerbread Players’ “The Perfect Alibi” takes a curtain call. On the cover: Sergeant Mallet, left, and Constable Mallet question Susan and Jimmy about the death of Arthur Ludgrove, inset. Just two peformances remain. PHOTOS BY MARK LORD is her adult daughter, Jane; and Suzanne Schrek makes several brief appearances as a servant. The setting, for which no one is credited in the program, is a most pleasant room, complete with fireplace, window seat and other apropos furnishings.

Remaining performances at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at 85 Greenway South in Forest Hills, are on Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20; or $15 for seniors. For information, call (718) 2687772 or visit gingerbreadplayers.org or the Q troupe’s Facebook page.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 17 (though not, it must be pointed out, to the other characters), the tightly constructed “howcatchem” plot focuses on the investigation. That is conducted primarily by Sergeant Mallet, who, in this rendering, is portrayed by a female actor, Farah Diaz-Tello, working hand-in-hand with a constable, brought to life by Bart DeFinna. Each provides an appropriate no-nonsense attitude. The meticulously planned alibis of the

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Notice is hereby given that

105 CROSS RD LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/27/26. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 157-54 12th Rd Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of BASH NYC LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/27/2026. 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: RIFAT AHMED, 148-05 87TH ROAD, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of 39 WICH LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/06/26. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/22/26. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 47-55 37th St., Long Island City, NY11101. DE addr. of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of BLINN WV LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/08/2026. 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: PHILIP LEE, 28-07 JACKSON AVE, FL 5, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Legal Notices

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consumption.

Notice of Formation of 42-25 9th Street LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 7/1/26. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Cogency Global Inc., 122 E 42nd St, 18th Fl, NY, NY 10168. Purpose: any lawful activity.

ASR PUBLIC NOTICE T- M o b i l e N o r t h e a s t , L L C proposes to register a 55-foot-tall (66-feet-overall) C ell on W heels temp or ar y tower located south of West Hanger Road and East of 13 0 t h P l a c e i n J a m a i c a , Queens C ount y, N Y 114 3 0 at Latitude N40°-39’-23.8”, Longitude W 73°-48’-35.1”. The tower will not be lighted. The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854 ) filing number is A1392370. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – Interested persons may review the application ( w w w.fcc.gov / asr/applications) by entering t h e A S R f i l i n g n u m b e r. Environmental concerns m ay b e r a i s e d by f ilin g a Request for Environmental Review ( w w w.fcc.gov / asr/ environmentalrequest ) and online filings are s t r ongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is : F C C Reques t s for Environment al Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 4 4 5 12 t h S t r e e t S W, Washington, DC 20554. All questions, comment s, and correspondence should also be direc ted to Julia K lima at D ynamic Environment al Associates, Inc., 3850 Lake Street, Suite C, Macon, G A 31204, 877-968-4787, FA AASR@dynamicenvironmental. com within 30 days from the date of this publication. Re: DEA# 22607004-NYTP006A.

Legal Notices

for wine/beer has been applied for by Stellar Pokhara Inc. to sell wine/beer at retail in a

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS F L U S H I N G B A N K , Plaintif f AG A INST PA R A MJIT K AUR, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of F oreclosure and S ale duly en t er e d J ul y 2 0, 2 0 2 6 , I , the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme C o u r t , 8 8 -11 S u t p h i n B o ulev a r d , J a ma i c a , N ew York 11435, Cour troom 25, on S eptember 4, 2 0 2 6, at 10am, premises k nown as 110 -41 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11435. A ll that cer t ain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, Cit y and S t ate of New York, Block: 12154 Lot: 6. A pproximate amount of judgment $ 527,961.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No. 705770 / 2025 a n d Te r m s o f S a l e . S c o t t H. Siller, Esq., Referee The Camporeale Law Group PLLC 585 Stewar t Avenue, Suite 301, Garden City, New York 11530 Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Liquor License, NYS Application ID: NA-024025-124077 has been applied for by El Campo Restaurante LLC serving beer, wine, and cider to be sold at retail for on-premises consumption in a restaurant, located at 108-17 Liberty Ave., South Richmond Hill, NY, County of Queens. Notice is hereby given that a Liquor License, serial number NA-037026-102629, for beer, wine, and liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to permit the sale of beer, wine, and liquor at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverages Control Law at HMSHOST JFK T5 PARTNERS, LLC located at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 5, Space No. 58ec, Central Terminal Building, Jamaica, NY 11430-2084 on premise consumption.

restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 70-17 B Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375 for on premises

NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY HELD BY Brooklyn Union Gas or Keyspan Gas D/B/A NATIONAL GRID, New York City / Long Island

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

Apts. For Rent College Point, 11-15 130th St, #2. 3 BR, 1.5 bath, $2,800/mo. Huge apt, separate entrance, HWF throughout, master BR has 1/2 bath. Available NOW. Call Jessie Lookfong, 631-408-8918, Capri Jet Realty Staten Island, 105 Mersereau Ave, 3 BR, 2 bath, $3,100/mo. Fully renov, W/D, SS, dishwasher, kitchen island, huge LR, DR. Small pets ok. Available NOW. Call Agata Landa 914-255-7284. Capri Jet Realty Williamsburg, 655 Grand St, #3R. 1 BR, 1 bath, $3,300/mo. Extra large apt, nice kitchen, tons of natural light, huge closet, HWF. Available Oct 1st. Call Theo Eastwind, 718-536-7787. Capri Jet Realty Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

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PROBATE CITATION File No. 2026-1110 SURROGATE’S COURT QUEENS COUNTY Citation THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent To the heirs at law, next of kin, and distributees of BARBARA L. DEECKE deceased, If living, and If any of them be dead to their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, legatees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors In Interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence. A petition having been duly filed by JOAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 402 of the Abandoned Property Law of the State of New York that:

HERRERA, who is domiciled at. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO

a) a report of unclaimed amounts of money or other property held or owing by the above named corporation has been made to the Comptroller of the State of New York, and that a list of names of the persons appearing from the records of such corporation to be entitled thereto is on file and open to public inspection at its principal office or place of business in (name of city, village, or county) where any such property is payable;

at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, on October 1,

b) such deposits, payments, and refunds, together with interest due thereon and less lawful deductions, will be paid by it on or before the succeeding thirtieth day of September to persons establishing to its satisfaction their right to receive the same; and c) in the succeeding month of October, and on or before the tenth day thereof, such unclaimed deposits, payments, and refunds, together with interest due thereon and less lawful deductions, still remaining will be paid to the Comptroller of the State of New York and that it shall thereupon cease to be liable therefore. Brooklyn Union Gas or Keyspan Gas d/b/a National Grid 300 Erie Boulevard West, Syracuse, New York 13202

SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court QUEENS County, 2026 at 9:30 o’clock In the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of BARBARA L. DEECKE lately domiciled at 102-25 67th Drive, Apt. 6E, Forest Hills, NY 11375-2864 admitting to probate a Will dated, July 22, 2021 (a Codicil dated a copy of which is attached, as the Will of BARBARA L. DEECKE deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to JOAN HERRERA. (State any further relief requested) Dated, Attested and Sealed July

30, 2026, HON. CASSANDRA A JOHNSON Surrogate JANET EDWARDS TUCKER, Chief Clerk Kevin M. O’Sullivan, Esq. (718) 587-9922 Attorney for Petitioner, Telephone Number, 21-83 Steinway Street, 1st Floor, Astoria, NY 11105 Address of Attorney [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.] P-5 (10/96)

State Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas speaks at Monday’s protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Corona Plaza. PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY

Activists, pols rally against ICE arrests Agency reportedly targeting Queens; it declines questions on deportations by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Notice of Formation of JUSTIN LIU VENTURES LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/30/2026. 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: JUSTIN LIU, 48-10 202ND STREET, BAYSIDE, NY 11364. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice

Notice of Formation of ELEVATE HEALTH + WELLNESS, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/09/2026. 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: MALIA KRAHN, 3075 38TH ST, APT 3, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NUEVA FOUNDATION LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/19/2026. 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: JUAN NUEVA, 106-07 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, 3B, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose

Notice of Formation of SULFUROUS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/20/2026. 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: JONATHAN WRIGHT, 139 GUERNSEY ST, APT 4R, BROOKLYN, NY 11222. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GILSID, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/21/26. 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, 164-34 89th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NY Tour Planner LLC filed

Notice of Formation of THE ROCKAWAY SHOPS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/06/2026. 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, 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

7/13/26. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 2341 204th St., Bayside, NY 11360. Reg Agent

LLC:

Yonsei

Accounting, Inc., 213-33 39th Ave., #320, Bayside, NY 11361. Purp: any lawful.

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of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/25/2023. 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: SHERPA BROKERAGE LLC, 7409 37TH AVENUE SUITE 306-A, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of FRONTIER SUMMIT LOGISTICS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/22/2026. 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: FEI DONG, 58-01 215TH STREET, BAYSIDE HILLS, NY 11364. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of CHINTEL COUNTRY LIVING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/09/2026. 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, 3512 190TH ST., FLUSHING, NY 11358. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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As the federal government reportedly steps up arrests of unauthorized immigrants in Western Queens, some elected officials and advocates are showing their support for those at risk of deportation. The activist group Make the Road New York and lawmakers rallied Monday at Corona Plaza to decry the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and declare solidarity with those being targeted. According to the office of state Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), the rally was held “amid a sharp increase in immigration enforcement across New York City, with immigrant families increasingly facing arrests, surveillance, and the threat of family separation in their own neighborhoods.” The office said ICE is targeting Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst “and communities across Queens.” The assemblywoman’s 34th District “is home to one of the city’s most diverse immigrant communities, including families from across Latin America, South Asia, the Caribbean, and around the world,” the office said, adding that she “has been a longstanding advocate for immigrant New Yorkers and has repeatedly called for an end to federal immigration enforcement practices that she says sow fear and undermine the safety and dignity of immigrant communities.” One speaker at the protest, whose address can be seen on Make the Road’s Facebook page, noted Queens’ diversity, where different

people come together not just to coexist but to create something beautiful and vibrant. “This is what the Trump administration is trying to tear down — our cultures, our experiences,” said the woman. “But we are not gonna let them.” The Chronicle asked Make the Road to identify the speaker but got no response. Also unresponsive was ICE. Asked for information about enforcement efforts and a response to the criticism, the agency’s press office responded with a request for more specific questions. After they were provided, the office did not respond again. Among the unanswered questions were ones asking when the Queens operation began and how long it will continue; how many illegal aliens have been arrested since it began; examples of the crimes they have been accused or convicted of; and why Queens has been targeted for removal operations. Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” had said in June that New York City would be targeted by “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” in response to state legislation preventing police and correction officers from cooperating with the federal government on immigration enforcement. González-Rojas had no qualms about speaking out, saying in part, “We cannot normalize a federal agency that operates with impunity, conceals the identities of its agents, and terrorizes immigrant communities. “I believe we must abolish ICE and build a system that protects human dignity rather than criminalizing migration. In New York, Q we will not be intimidated into silence.”

Notice of Formation of DIRECTIONNY, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/24/2026. 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: ERNEST GASPARYAN, 35-35 75TH STREET, APT. 308, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 13, 2026

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