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By Carlotta Mohamed

TimesLedger Newspapers

Five people were injured in a car collision in Whitestone the morning of May 31, according to the NYPD.

The on-camera incident occurred at a five-way intersection at 160th Street and Clintonville Street at 7:57 a.m., when a woman driving a 2017 Mercedes Benz SUV lost control of the vehicle, striking a 2011 Lincoln Sedan as it entered the intersection making a right turn after stopping at the stop sign, according to the NYPD.

Two other cars — a 2017 Nissan SUV and 2007 Lincoln Sedan — were also hit in the crash before the vehicles came to a stop, police said,

As a result of the crash, five people were taken to the Booth Memorial Hospital for complaints of pain, the NYPD reported.

No arrests have been made.

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

City Councilman Robert Holden (D-Middle Village) has been such an outspoken critic of the city’s plan to close Rikers Island and replace it with a borough-based prison system that Mayor Bill de Blasio paid a visit to Holden’s Middle Village neighborhood in March during a snowstorm and discussed the impasse.

“Let’s just say he gave me his talking points and I had my say,” Holden said.

Last week, Holden introduced legislation to create a commission to examine the cost of renovating the jail facilities on Rikers Island. The City Council had previously commissioned a study on the cost of the borough-based system headed up by former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman which showed that replacing Rikers Island with smaller jails, such as the Kew Gardens Detention Complex, would cost $10.6 billion.

“We have the numbers where borough-based jails are concerned, but we should know the cost of rejuvenating Rikers’ facilities to determine if it is a viable alternative,” Holden said. “If we’re going to have taxpayers foot the bill for the city’s jail facilities, we should be able to show them the facts and figures.”

Holden said he was surprised that nobody did a cost analysis on renovating Rikers Island.

“Maybe it should be in the Council’s hands to go get those numbers so that taxpayers’ funds could go where it’s more desperately needed, like repairing the subways and providing more affordable housing,” Holden said. “The infrastructure at Rikers is solid, and before we sink billions into new jails, we should have all the information. This study will help us gain a clearer picture of what it would look like to keep Rikers Island open.”

Holden’s measure gained support from colleagues from the borough.

“This is a common sense bill,” City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said. “It’s simple — hardworking taxpayers deserve to know how their money will be spent if the city moves forward with its plan to close Rikers Island. Moreover, the city must take these costs into account before going ahead with any such plan.”

Holden’s bill was assigned to the Committee on Criminal Justice and will be reviewed at public hearings before the City Council votes on it.

“Any decision of this magnitude needs to be made with thorough and reliable facts and figures,” City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) said. “I’m proud to support this legislation because if and when Rikers Island is closed, we need to be able to tell the 8.5 million New Yorkers in this city that we did our homework and looked at all the options.”

The 10-person commission would consist of three members chosen by the mayor, three appointed by the speaker of the Council and four members selected jointly by the speaker and the mayor, according to the bill. The members would serve for one year and a report on the commission’s findings would be presented within six months after completion of the study.

“We’ll review the legislation,” City Hall spokeswoman Natalie Grybauskas said. “We’re committed to closing Rikers Island and to keeping the island facilities in good working order as long as it remains open.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

The NYPD smashed a Jackson Heights-based drug gang following a long-term investigation last week. Police arrested 18 people during an early morning raid May 23, seizing cocaine, heroin, loaded guns, a machete, five vehicles and $80,000 in cash, according to the Queens DA.

Nine suspected members of the 97th Street Trinitarios and #Hot97Boyz street gangs were facing multiple counts of drugs and weapons charges following the investigation, which had undercover police successfully purchasing firearms and illicit drugs, including cocaine and heroin laced with Fentanyl, from the defendants between August 2016 and May 2018, the DA said.

“These arrests should serve as a warning to drug dealers and gang members who operate in New York City that law enforcement is coming for you,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said. “We will continue to aggressively track down those who flood our community with illegal drugs and guns and put them behind bars.”

Brown identified the main defendants as Oscar “Diddy” Urena, 35, of Jackson Heights; Jesus “Junior” Mota, 34, of College Point; and Dionis “Moz” Fernandez, 23, of Whitestone. Additionally, Joseph “Jay” Payamps, 23, of Corona, was arrested following a court-ordered search of his residence where police allegedly seized $62,337 in cash and 240 grams of cocaine along with scales, packaging and kilo presses, according to Brown.

The defendants were arraigned with 14 others in Queens Criminal Court on various complaints charging them with criminal possession of controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon and other alleged crimes. According to the charges, the alleged gang members operated primarily in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. Utilizing court-authorized wire taps, investigators were able to eavesdrop on telephone conversations between several of the defendants.

On June 20, 2017, investigators tapped a call between Urena and another man who said, “I want a hard one and two rices,” to which Urena said, “OK, two and one,” and a few minutes later the two were observed making a hand-to-hand exchange. Detectives seized a plastic bag containing a rock of crack cocaine and two bags of powder cocaine.

A detective also managed to buy an illegal gun from Urena on April 28, 2017, the DA said. The detective met with Urena and bought a black Jimenez Arms semi-automatic firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition for $940, and a bag of marijuana. Brown said there were many incidents where undercover detectives made similar purchases from defendants such as Fernandez and Mota.

Urena, Payamps and Fernandez face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Mota faces 14 years. The NYPD released the names of the other 10 defendants, including Leslie Julbe, 39, of College Point; Daniel D. Cepeda, 19, of Jackson Heights; Raymond “Delivery” Ferreira, 19, of College Point; Abel “Flaco” Diaz, 27, of Corona; Jacinto Cabral, 41, of Corona; Rafael Castillo, 50, of East Elmhurst, Damaris Castillio, 42, of East Elmhurst; Daniella Zamoria, 24, of Whitestone; Eva Ferreira, 26, of College Point and Randy Fernandez, 24, of East Elmhurst.

Eight other individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the investigation, according to the Queens DA’s office.

“Each day our efforts to rid New York City streets of illegal narcotics and associated gang and crew violence are made stronger and more precise through our law enforcement partnerships,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. “I commend everyone involved in this long-term case, particularly the NYPD detectives who put themselves directly in harm’s way. Our nation’s best investigators will continue to focus intently on anyone who chooses to engage in this illicit behavior.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

House Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), announced a new initiative to encourage student gun safety advocates from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to intern this summer on Capitol Hill and continue their advocacy on gun safety measures.

Crowley was inspired by student leaders he met with at the Renaissance School in Jackson Heights in March, one day before they took part in the National Student Walkout to honor the 17 victims of the mass school shooting that took place in Parkland, Fla., one month earlier.

“No doubt. I think of the calibre of the students at the Renaissance School and their thoughts and concerns and then I thought of the leadership shown by the Parkland survivors and the March for Our Lives movement,” Crowley said. “But it’s not just the Parkland students, but Santa Fe too.”

A student at Santa Fe High School in Texas killed 10 people and injured 13 others.

“Any survivors of school shootings could intern and see how things work on the Hill themselves and we could learn from each other,” Crowley said. “It’s also an opportunity for people who think differently from them to learn from them, perhaps an exchange of ideas over breakfast. You never know.”

Crowley, the House Democratic Caucus chairman, and several House Democratic leaders, sent a letter to their colleagues urging them to open their offices to school shooting survivors.

“We have all been impressed with the leadership and passion shown by the students around the country on the issue of gun violence prevention. Through efforts like the March for Our Lives, students have been speaking up and demanding action on the issues like never before, and they are an inspiration to many of us,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we are encouraging members to host an intern in their office this summer to work on the issue of gun violence prevention and bring their personal dedication to this issue.”

The Democratic leaders are enthusiastic about their colleagues working with the students on the issue and continue pushing for bipartisan, common-sense proposals to prevent gun violence and provide real solutions to keeping schools safe.

Meanwhile, Crowley, who is facing a primary challenge for the first time in 14 years, will face his opponent, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. in a televised primetime debate June 15 on NY1.

“I’m looking forward to a discussion about my record of service and having another opportunity to share with the voters of the Bronx and Queens my vision for the community,” Crowley said. “There’s so much at stake in the 2018 election and Democrats must be united in our efforts to create new jobs, expand access to health care, secure immigrant rights, and fighting back against President Trump’s hate-filled agenda.”

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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By Carlotta Mohamed

TimesLedger Newspapers

State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) and state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) met with Flushing residents Tuesday to return thousands of dollars worth of forgotten funds.

In partnership with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s Office of Unclaimed Funds, the event was held at the SelfHelp Apartments at 137-39 45th Ave. in Flushing. The money includes forgotten savings accounts, lost paychecks or inactive stock and bond accounts that banks, insurance companies and employers have turned over to the state.

Through programs like this, New York state has been able to return $1 million a day to those who file claims. In the New York City region, Queens County has 1,075,977 accounts,with a total value of $590,728,370 in unclaimed funds, according to the comptroller’s office.

“Comptroller DiNapoli provides a great service to New Yorkers by returning these forgotten funds to its rightful owners,” said Stavisky. “Whether it be an old savings account you forgot you had or a misplaced check from years ago, we want to be sure as much of these unclaimed funds can be returned as possible. I urge everyone to take advantage of this wonderful and perfectly safe way to regain access to forgotten money.”

Rozic, who hosted the event with Stavisky, said she was “proud to help ensure that all funds are returned to their proper beneficiaries so that all New York residents receive the money that they are entitled .”

Last month, Stavisky held a similar event in Forest Hills, in which thousands of dollars were discovered by DiNapoli’s staff. Although Tuesday’s event was open to everyone, its target was the Asian-American community, especially non-English speakers, who may not be familiar with the process or unable to navigate it on their own.

The event was open to everyone to participate regardless of immigration status. For those who were unable to attend the event they can check DiNapoli’s website to see if they are owed money at www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/.

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Carlotta Mohamed

TimesLedger Newspapers

Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Public Design Commission announced the 11 winners of this year’s 36th Annual Awards for Excellence in Design, including two from Queens.

In coordination with NYCXDesign — an annual citywide celebration of innovative art and design from around the world — the 2018 awards recognized projects which fulfill the de Blasio administration’s commitment to providing a more “equitable, resilient, and diverse city for all New Yorkers.” The designs help to improve recreational, cultural spaces, and historic structures in New York City. The five boroughs are featured in the awards encompassing education, culture, art, and recreation.

“These 11 winning schools, parks, libraries, museums, and artworks aren’t only beautiful – they enrich their communities by bringing revitalizing existing spaces and creating vibrant new ones,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Since 1983, the Public Design Commission has recognized outstanding public projects with its Annual Awards for Excellence in Design, according to nyc.gov.

“The projects that we are awarding today highlight the very best of our shared values and represent real investments in building a better city for all New Yorkers. Through excellence in design, our city’s agencies, architects, landscape architects, artists, and designers are working to enhance neighborhoods, improve our environment, health, and opportunities, and celebrate our creativity, history, and culture,” said Justin Garrett Moore, executive director, of the Public Design Commission.

One of the award-winning projects designed by Quennell Rothschild and Partners, is the Reflecting Pool in Flushing Meadows Corona Park that will be reconstructed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The reconstruction design of the Reflecting Pool references the original use of the space as a water feature, yet transforms the site into an enjoyable and sustainable focal point in the park, according to a description from the Public Design Commission.

Another award-winning project designed by Silman, Jan Hird Pokorny Associates, and L’Observatoire International at Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the rehabilitation of the 1964 World’s Fair New York State Pavilion Observation Towers and Tent of Tomorrow. The Department of Parks and Recreation will provide stabilization, restored lighting, and maintenance access that will lay the foundation for future preservation and potential adaptive reuse of the iconic structures.

Other winning projects include the reconstruction of Garrison Playground in the Bronx at East 146th St., Walton Avenue, and the Grand Concourse; and renovation of the Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn at 1555 Linden Blvd.,both of which will provide communities with much-needed recreation and amenities with human-centered designs; The Studio Museum in Harlem at 144 West 125 St.; the Westchester Square Branch Library at 9 Westchester Square, Bronx; the Snug Harbor Cultural Center Music Hall at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island; the Concert Grove Pavilion in Prospect Park, Brooklyn; and the Hamilton Fish Park Branch Library at 415 East Houston St.in Manhattan.

In addition, the construction of a new education center and hotel at Cornell’s Roosevelt Island campus will become a northern gateway to the center for learning,

while a prototypical design for city plaza kiosks will offer a sleek and cost-effective solution to maintaining public plazas.

“The Public Design Commission is pleased to recognize these outstanding public projects, which prove that thoughtful design is a critical component of providing quality, equitable, and sustainable public spaces to all New Yorkers. By utilizing key principles of good design, these projects will provide new opportunities for education and recreation, offer inspirational artworks and cultural programming, and preserve our city’s historic structures and public plazas for the future enjoyment of New Yorkers and visitors,” said Signe Nielsen, president of the Public Design Commission.

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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By Merle Exit

TimesLedger Newspapers

The Physical Plant, a Queens-based dance and production company, is presenting its fifth annual Queensboro Dance Festival.

Company performances have already begun and will be touring theatres, parks, plazas and streets throughout Queens County through Oct. 14, 2018.

“Our 26 diverse-Queens based companies represent 11 different neighborhoods all across our borough,” said Executive Director Karesa Batan. “We are going to be in about 18 neighborhoods, 22 shows, with a different lineup of these wonderfully talented dance companies at every venue including here at Queens Theatre. We are honored to be a partner with them.”

During the May 10 preview at Queens Theatre, four of the groups offered a sneak-peek consisting of multiple performances, most of which were being debuted at the festival. Astoria based Tango for All presented “Blind-Strength In,” in which two pairs of dancers — Diego Bianco and Ana Padron, along with Michelle Lamb and Andres Bravo — were masked. The group was accompanied by Tango Quartet, whereas the other groups performed to pre-recorded music.

“Once to Pass, Never to Return,” was the piece from NSquared Dance, another Astoria based group.

“This piece actually has nine solos,” said founder and choreographer Nick Neagle.

Cole Collective from Astoria presented “Birds Flying High,” with dancer Ann Marie Dragich. Nicole Ohr is the Artistic Director and Choreographer.

Choreographer and Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench was on hand to present part of his tribute to Aretha Franklin through the Jamaica based Vissi Dance Company. The performance featured dancers Tonika Custalow-Stuart, Ariel Polanco, Aly Giampolo, Yukari Ikegaya, Alicia Hutchinson, Ambere Rogers, Justin Hunte, Jessica Burns, and Marissa Graham.

The festival has several upcoming performances, including one at Ridgewood Queens Library (June 2, 3 p.m.); one at the Queens Pride Parade (June 3, 1 p.m.); one at the Peninsula Queens Library (June 9, 3 p.m.); two at Bliss Street Plaza (June 12 and July 24 at 5 p.m.); one at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (June 16, 1 p.m.); one at Far Rockaway Beach (June 30, 6 p.m.); one at the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park (July 14 , 2 p.m.); one at Juniper Valley Park (July 21, 2 p.m.); one at Worldwide Woodside (July 28, 12 p.m.); one at Lost Battalion Hall (Aug. 4, 12:30 p.m.;); one at Fort Totten (Aug. 11, 2 p.m.); One at Flushing Town Hall (Sept. 7, 8 p.m.); two at Hunters Point Park (Sept. 13 and Sept. 14, 5 p.m.); one at Forest Park (Sept. 29, 2 p.m.); and two at Queens Theatre (Oct. 13, 8 9.m.; Oct. 14, 4 p.m.).

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By Carlotta Mohamed

TimesLedger Newspapers

State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) hosted the sixth annual “Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month” celebration last week at her alma mater, Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, honoring Asian-American community leaders in Queens.

In 1992, the federal government designated the month of May as Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in commemoration of the long history and continued contributions of the AAPI community.

Rozic’s four honorees have been dedicated to public service, advocacy, civic and youth engagement. They included: Julie Ae Kim, of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; Dr. Raj Bhayani, of the Hindu Center Temple; Gabriel Hisugan, of Asian Americans for Equality; and Bright Limm, of Korean Americans for Political Advancement.

“By recognizing these individuals, we also celebrate the organizer, advocates, and leaders throughout New York that empower others to advocate for social and economic equity,” Rozic said May 24. “This event is not only a celebration of the diverse Asian-American experience, but also a reminder that we move forward as a Queens community in dialogue.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) served as an honorary co-host, with appearances by state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing), as well as a special guest, Alice Lee Gianetta, Miss World 2018.

During a discussion with Rozic, Gianetta — an attorney, activist and alumni of Townsend Harris High School, who used to live in Flushing — encouraged youths to get involved in local civics and politics in their community.

“Our next generation of Asian-Americans should be active in government, and they can start by interning in the local government office,” said Gianetta. “When you get experience working for your office, you learn how to access government resources.”

Gianetta recalled her time spent working during the summer registering voters on Northern Boulevard who did not know about the voting process. It taught Gianetta about bringing awareness to the Asian-American and Chinese community in Flushing.

Koo said it is important for Asian-Americans to work harder and become involved with local politics.

“I am proud to recognize these great individuals with Assemblywoman Rozic and my colleagues for their selfless dedication and outstanding leadership that creates change locally,” he said.

Julie Ae Kim — a 2009 Townsend graduate, community organizer and activist passionate about immigrant inclusion, Asian-American feminism and politics — became involved with public service during high school volunteering at local elections.

“Immigrant New Yorkers are woven into the rich fabric of our city. At the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, I have the honor of serving my fellow New Yorkers by connecting people with free and safe immigration legal services through ActionNYC,” said Kim.

Fellow honoree Bhayani, who serves on the Hindu Center Temple’s board of trustees, is also a businessman, philanthropist, and an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He has contributed to extensive research in medicine and marvels at what his community has accomplished.

“Despite facing discrimination, hatred, violence, bigotry, Asian-Americans serve this country with honor and patriotism,” Bhayani said. “As President Roosevelt once said, ‘Americanism is not, or never was, a matter of race or ancestry, but it’s about success, the American dream, and belief in this nation.’”

Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmohamed@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4526.

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

Bernard “Ben” Thompson, a St. Albans war veteran, served as a Weapons Specialist-Heavy Ordinance for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honored for his duty by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) earlier this month.

“I am proud to induct him into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame for his estimable contributions to Queens, New York state and our entire country,” Comrie said at the May 17 ceremony in Albany.

After finishing his senior year at Richmond High School in 1966, Big Ben, as he is affectionately known by friends and family, enlisted with the 559th Tactical Squadron and joined the Air Force like his uncle before him, Reynold Roberts, and helped to load bombs while at stationed at an air base on Cam Ranh Bay, which was south of Vietnam.

“It was my first time away from home,” said Thompson, the youngest of five siblings. “We were stationed on an air base and provided air support. It was eye-opening.”

Due to back pain from lifting heavy artillery behind F4C fighter jets, he retired as an Airman Second Class in 1968.

“After I left the military I started working in the banking industry,” said Thompson. “Then I was a beer salesman.”

Despite having a fun job selling beer for Anheuser-Busch, Thompson wanted to find another way of serving his country.

In 1980, Thompson joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Proctor Hopson Post #1896 in Jamaica and served as post commander between 1983 and 1985. He is also a life member of the 369th Veterans Association, AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans, a member of the Air Force Association, and he serves on the board of directors of the New York Military Ministry & Fellowship Group.

“Through the VFW we fight for the entitlements due to all veterans and during Christmastime, I’m involved with DHL and Dee’s Nursery and we ship live Christmas trees to the troops in war zones.”

Thompson also collaborates with the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, which has shipped 700,000 boxes of to the troops over the course of 15 years.

He currently works as a despatch agent for the U.S. Department of State.

“We do logistics for all of the embassies around the world,” said Thompson.

Thompson has been married to his wife Gwen for 38 years and has five children. He will celebrate his 71st birthday in August.

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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