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Community asking MTA for security footage of Murray Hill hate crime

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

After an LIRR Murray Hill Station sign was vandalized with anti-Asian graffiti, MTA Police have installed a security camera at the station.

Community leaders and elected officials were outraged after discovering a LIRR Murray Hill Station sign a week ago covered with racist statements like “Asians all on welfare,” “Chinese losers town” and “Whites built Flushing!” written all over it.

In response to the racist graffiti Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) wrote a letter to the MTA Police, the 109th Precinct and city DOT asking for a review of all available footage relating to the incidents and requested a thorough and immediate investigation of any evidence identifying the perpetrator. MTA responded promptly by installing cameras at the station. Kim thanked the MTA Police for addressing community concerns and making security upgrades at the Station.

“My fellow elected officials and I are hopeful that this will stem the recent tide of repulsive vandalism there, and make the area safer for all residents,” he said. “We are also grateful to our local community leaders for their unceasing efforts to successfully resolve this issue, as well as the MTA and Gov. Cuomo for their outreach to our community. If there are still security problems that need to be addressed even after the installation of this camera, my pledge to secure additional funding still stands.”

Last week Korean community leaders, nearby business owners and elected officials joined Kim to denounce the acts, which they made said in no way represented the ideology of the diverse and tolerant character of their neighborhood.

Kim said the coward who committed these terrible acts must be found.

“I am proud to live in and represent one of the most diverse constituencies in the country, where there is no place for this kind of behavior,” he said. “It goes against the very character of our neighborhoods, and my office will do all that we can in working with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe, united, and free of hate.”

Christine Colligan, co-president of the Korean-American Parents Association of Greater New York, said the group has requested footage from the surveillance camera be sent to the MTA Police Chief, and that a MTA Police team continually patrol the Murray Hill station.

“Hate Speech Vandalism is a criminal act and is extremely dangerous and violation of federal, states and city law,” she said. “The citizens of Flushing will not allow such criminal acts in our neighborhood. Taxpayers and citizens have a right to be safe and protected from such hateful crimes. We should not only erase the graffiti but also catch the perpetrator.”

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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Source: Times Ledger

Gunman steals $300, cell phone from 10-10 Deli & Grill: Cops

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

A gunman stole $300 from the 10-10 Deli & Grill in Jamaica and injured the store’s employee as he stole the victim’s cell phone Tuesday, the NYPD said.

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The suspect went inside the deli located at 110-01 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. around 12:45 a.m. and allegedly displayed a gold-colored firearm and struck the 27-year-old employee while forcibly removing the victim’s cell phone and money from the register, police said. The authorities said the suspect fled to an unknown direction and the employee’s injuries were minor.

The employee refused medical attention.

The NYPD described the suspect as a black male in his early 20s wearing all black, based on surveillance photos and videos.

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Source: Times Ledger

Capital One Bank robbed of $23 in Jamaica

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

A Capital One Bank in Jamaica was robbed of $23 last Thursday afternoon, the NYPD said.

The male suspect waited in line in the bank, located at 146-21 Jamaica Ave., and when he reached the teller, he allegedly slipped the individual a note demanding cash, police said. Then he later made a verbal demand, at which point he received $23 in cash, according to the authorities.

The suspect later fled the scene south on Sutphin Boulevard, but surveillance photos captured images of him on line and entering the store.

According to police, the suspect is a black male approximately 6-feet-4 inches and heavy-set. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts with a yellow stripe going down and dark footwear.

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

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Source: Times Ledger

Avella bill creating task force for children’s services signed by Cuomo

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will establish a task force to study the availability of child care across the state and the economic effects of not having these services in communities.

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) penned the bill, which passed the Senate in June and was later introduced into the Assembly and carried by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Pearl River).

“In order to better improve child care policies, it is necessary to understand more about the issues related to child care access. As chair of the Senate’s Children and Families Committee, I am committed to ensuring that every child, whether at the beginning of their education or at the end of their college tenure, has access to the highest quality education this state has to offer,” Avella said. “Our state should be committed to providing every child the opportunity to succeed through education as well as providing families an opportunity to grow and flourish in our communities. By creating this task force it will allow our state to do just that.”

Members of the task force will be appointed by the governor upon recommendations from the Assembly speaker, president of the Senate and representatives of child care agencies.

Some issues the task force will examine are access to subsidized child-care, costs of child care, availability of child care during odd hours and how a lack of services affects the workforce and the economy.

“Ensuring all parents have access to quality, affordable child care is a top priority. On behalf of working families across the state I thank Gov. Cuomo for signing this important bill into law,” Jaffee said. “We have been working closely with the governor’s office to ensure the task force runs efficiently and effectively, incorporating suggestions and getting the appropriate agencies involved, while ensuring that we maintain the integrity of the task force.”

The results of these studies will be reported to the Senate and Assembly leaders for further action to be taken.

It will be chaired by commissioners from the Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance and the member of the task force will serve three terms without pay, according to the bill.

At least one member of the task force is required to be a parent who has accessed subsidized child care in the past.

According to the bill, the legislation would take effect immediately, but the cost of implementing a task force has yet to be determined.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

Aly-Marc Pharmacy robbed of $3,600 cash, pills: NYPD

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

JAMIACA — A thief robbed a Jamaica pharmacy and held the pharmacist at gunpoint to steal bottles of pills and cash, according to the NYPD.

The pharmacist was forced to place at least eight pint bottles of Promethazine, 600 pills of Oxycodone and $3,600 in cash from the register in an Adidas bag for the robber, police said. The holdup occurred at the Aly-Marc Pharmacy at 179-41 Hillside Ave., which is next to the subway station, said police.

The suspect then fled eastbound to the F train and police were able to capture an image of the man from a surveillance video.

They described the suspect as a light-skinned male, between 27 and 28 years old, who is about 5-foot-6 inches. Police believe the suspect is approximately 130 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a blue jeans jacket, a gray baseball hat, a black wig and was holding the Adidas bag.

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Source: Times Ledger

Mets extend Sandy Alderson, bring back Omay Minaya

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By Zach Gewelb

TimesLedger Newspapers

Mets fans who have been dreaming about the end of Sandy Alderson’s tenure as the team’s general manager have to keep dreaming, as the club announced it has signed him to an extension last week.

Terms of the extension have yet to be revealed, but the extension comes as a bit of a surprise considering Alderson, 70, led the Mets to a 70-92 record in 2017, their worst mark since 2009. Add the fact that Alderson is getting up there in age and it’s easy to see why Mets fans may be upset about the move. But, as Alderson said in a team statement, he still has plenty of work to do.

“I feel that we have some unfinished business,” Alderson said in a statement. “Spring training is around the corner and our quest to return to the postseason will continue.”

Adding more fuel to the fire, the team announced it would be bringing back former General Manager Omar Minaya — who held the position before Alderson — as a special assistant to Alderson. Minaya’s clubs compiled a 577-557 record and his 2006 squad won 97 games and was one win away from earning a trip to the World Series.

Minaya’s tenure was decidedly average. He constructed good teams, but players he brought in via free agency or trades generally under performed. Nevertheless, he joins Alderson as the club attempts to bounce back from a dismal, injury-riddled 2017 campaign.

“Omar has a long history with the Mets,” Alderson said in a team statement. “He has served the club well in many different areas. Omar will be a resource on scouting and player development, will consult on player acquisitions and will serve as a community ambassador. We are very happy to have him back in the organization.”

The decision to bring Alderson back is not as crazy as it seems. While he’s led the Mets to just two winning season in his tenure, he just hired a new manager. Had there been any doubt regarding Alderson’s future, he would not have been the man to make the decision to bring Mickey Callaway in from Cleveland.

This is Alderson’s show, for better or worse. Much of his tenure has been defined by payroll limitations and injuries to his star players, so the lack of success can’t be placed solely on him. Armed with a new training staff, there is an expectation for a healthier 2018 campaign in which the Mets will see full seasons from Yoenis Cespedes and Noah Syndergaard, among others.

If their star players can remain healthy, the Mets have a real chance to compete for a playoff spot. But Alderson is responsible for giving the team enough depth in case another barrage of injuries hits the club, something he failed to do last year.

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Whether Mets fans like it or not, Alderson is the man for the job and will see things through for the time being.

Reach reporter Zach Gewelb by e-mail at zgewelb@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4539.

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Source: Times Ledger

Annual winter concert returns to Queens College

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Angelica Acevedo

TimesLedger Newspapers

The 77th Annual Winter Concert, performed by the Queens College Choral Society Dec. 16, offered renditions of Mozart’s “Requiem” and a New Age choral piece called “1001 Voices: A Symphony for a New America.”

The Winter Concert was held at Colden Auditorium on the Queens College Campus at 8 p.m. It began with Mozart’s classic, which is his last work and considered “one of the supreme achievements in choral literature,” according to QCCS.

The community chorus delivered a mesmerizing performance, with impeccable harmony among the orchestra, chorus and soloists. Soprano Deborah Carter, one of the soloists, received great applause as well as commendations by fans after the show for her stunning vocals.

“You were wonderful. Maybe I’ll see you at the Met,” a woman said to Carter, whom she in return graciously thanked.

Carter, a first-year graduate student at Queens College, had sung in the community choral group in previous years.

“I’ve been singing for some time, but not classical music,” Carter said. “I think the music is beautiful. Mozart is one of the greatest composers ever and I’m very honored to sing some of his music.”

The final performance of the night, “1001 Voices: A Symphony for a New America,” was starkly distinct from Mozart’s “Requiem.”

The choral piece — which was commissioned by Constantine Kitsopoulos, the music director of Queens Symphony — was written by Judith Sloan, a librettist and artist, and composed by Frank London, a Grammy-Award winning trumpeter, in 2009. According the QCCS, the story is meant to showcase the many generations of immigrants that have immigrated to Queens and how they have consequently been pushed in and out of the neighborhoods within the diverse borough.

James John, the music director of QCCS, made some remarks about the piece before the performance.

“It’s themes are timeless … they’re even more potent, important [and] meaningful at this particular point in time,” John said.

He went on to say that Sloan contacted him earlier in the year to ask if he’d like to do this piece again. He said he was, “intrigued for a number of reasons.”

“You’ll see as we go through the piece there’s one particular passage — I don’t know if you recall in January when the travel ban was so haphazardly implemented and people were held out of the airports in New York City and there were crowds of people chanting ‘let them in, let them in’ — you’ll hear in the second movement of this piece, the chorus chants similarly ‘let them in, let them in,’” John said.

Sloan was among the six spoken word performers, along with an Arabic drummer. The show also had animated projections with the phrases of the seven different languages that were spoken throughout the show (English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, Portuguese and Russian), many images of the street name signs and neighborhood pictures of Queens.

It was a powerful Queens story about the hurdles immigrants must face once they are here, which in the end received a standing ovation.

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Source: Times Ledger

IDC opposition escalated throughout 2017

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

The victory of Donald Trump in November 2016 triggered an insurrection against a group of breakaway Democrats in the state Senate from mainline party advocates, which would become a prominent political battle in Queens in 2017.

State Sens. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside) saw intense resistance from both constituents and colleagues for their involvement in the Independent Democratic Committee. The IDC was formed in 2011 to counteract the Republican majority in the Legislature by so that members could negotiate with GOP officials to pass progressive legislation.

As Trump took office, however, public opinion toward the IDC’s eight members turned negative as accusations they were caucusing with the GOP and that they were actually hindering progressive legislation began to take hold.

“Today’s political climate demands that progressive legislators take bold action to deliver for their constituents,” Peralta said in January 2017 when he announced his defection to the IDC. “That’s why I’ve decided to join the Independent Democratic Conference, where I can best effect progressive change on issues like affordable housing, higher education, school funding equity, homelessness reforms, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, affordable healthcare, senior citizen protections and so much more. The IDC’s track record on delivering for the most vulnerable New Yorkers is irrefutable.”

Within a month, elected officials such U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, and state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) as well as Councilmen Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria) made their opposition clear to Peralta’s decision to switch to the IDC.

Peralta was thrown from his own Democratic club, New Visions.

“He has betrayed this community in this way, going to caucus with the party of Trump at a time when our values are under attack,” Constantinides said at an anti-IDC rally in February. “Where immigrant families are feeling unease and possible deportation, he stands with the party that won’t defend them.”

At a town hall, constituents shouted “traitor” at Peralta.

Avella, who joined the IDC in 2014, was next on the list.

Progressive groups such as Rise and Resist, No IDC NY and Empire State Indivisible made their voices known at rallies and events calling on Avella to rejoin the Democratic Party with cries of “Phony Tony, you lied to us.”

In late February, about 50 protesters showed up at Avella’s district office on Bell Boulevard and were met by around 20 counter-protesters in favor of Avella. Among them was community activist Paul Graziano, who challenged Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) in the primary and general election later in 2017.

The counter-protesters defended Avella’s track record of getting legislation passed and saying it was in keeping with Democratic values. One Avella supporter pointed out that the GOP majority would still control the state Senate whether the IDC had a seat at the table or not, while being part of the ruling coalition brings benefits to constituents and provides Democrats some voice in crafting legislation.

Avella handled the protesters by calling small groups of them into his office where he debated their arguments against the IDC with them directly.

He argued that he is behind Democratic legislation such as the DREAM Act, which he co-sponsored in every version introduced to the Senate. In fact, he blamed the most recent defeat of the bill to allow undocumented immigrants to qualify for financial aid on traditional Democrats, and he objected to partisan purity tests.

The Working Families Party and NYIndivisible protested again at Avella’s office in May.

The day before Democrat Brian Benjamin had won a special election to the state Senate to represent Harlem. The landslide vote of about 98 percent in his favor reclaimed the Democratic majority with 32 of the 63 seats in the chamber.

State Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) has caucused and voted alongside the GOP since he was elected as a progressive, bringing the number of Dems caucusing apart from the mainline party to nine.

“The Democrats were voted into the majority in the Senate and should be functioning as a majority, but they’re not because the IDC caucuses separately, leaving the majority to the Republicans,” said one protester, who was bused in from outside of Queens. “Some progressive legislation gets through, sometimes watered down. But many, many bills don’t even make it to floor. That’s because we are not functioning as a majority. We would like to see single payer pass, the Dream Act, women’s reproductive health and other issues.”

But a tentative peace between the warring Democrats would appear on the horizon as a letter from top mainline party leaders called for members of the IDC to form a coalition to regain control of the state Senate or face primary challenges.

The letter asked IDC officials to work with the party to claim two seats in special elections outside of Queens and convince conservative Democrat Felder to caucus once again with his own party instead of with the Republicans.

If the eight IDC officials did not agree to the pact, the Democratic Party would launch primary opponents their way.

Avella and IDC leader Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) both said they would accept the terms of the coalition as long as the Democrats actually achieved the majority through victory in the special elections and if Felder agreed to return to the party.

But not everybody accepted the pact.

City and state elected officials spoke out at a Dec. 7 forum in Fresh Meadows against the IDC, claiming the breakaway Democrats had no interest in actually forming a coalition with the mainline party.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer joined Public Advocate Letitia James, state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillside) spoke at event organized by anti-IDC group Empire State Indivisible claiming Avella was not a team player to begin with and should be replaced in a primary regardless.

Elections for the state officials’ seats will take place near the end of 2018, with former Mayor de Blasio adviser Jessica Ramos said she was considering a challenge to Peralta on the Democratic line.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

Hunters Pt. Library delayed another year

See this story at TimesLedger.com.

By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

Hundreds of supporters, family and friends of City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) packed his favorite restaurant, Manducatis Rustica, on Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City last week to witness him officially sworn in to a third term at City Hall. The evening took the sting out of two significant setbacks for Van Bramer earlier in the week.

One was political, the other bureaucratic.

On Dec. 20, City Councilman Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan) became the presumptive speaker of the City Council, over Van Bramer and six other finalists, after the reported backing of U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), the leader of the Queens Democratic Party. While Crowley declined to comment on the deal, Van Bramer was one of the first to congratulate Johnson.

“A friend & ally and fellow Irish & LGBT caucus member who will be our next speaker,” Van Bramer wrote on Twitter. “I congratulate Corey on a remarkable run. I’ve never seen anyone work harder. Smart & passionate, he will help our city become a more just place.”

During a hearing held by his Committee on Culture and Libraries Monday, Van Bramer learned from city officials that the opening of the new Hunters Point Library, a project he has championed passionately for 20 years, would have its opening delayed another year.

The Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio testified that construction will be completed by the end of August 2018. Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott said the building would be outfitted and open to the public in February 2019.

Van Bramer said he and the residents of Long Island City were “frustrated” by “horrific decisions” made over the years that have caused multiple delays and false timelines.

“It has already been so painful. It has already been delayed for so many years there are literally already people who have been involved in this project who have died before they could see this library open,” Van Bramer said.

Walcott blamed choices by famed architect Steven Holl, such as special glass made in Germany that was held up for weeks in Spain by a dockworkers’ strike. Barrio said the DDC had changed its written design consultant guidelines to ensure “an architect doesn’t call the shots in the future.”

Walcott also blamed “bad contractors” for the delays as well, explaining that defaulting on the contracts would only create even longer delays as contractors went through a rebid process.

“It is my sense that Hunters Point Library, somewhere along the way it got off track as far as the design is concerned and monitoring what went on there,” Walcott said. “We are not going to allow that again in the future as a library system. We’re never going to allow that to happen again as long as I’m CEO.”

Van Bramer said he was outraged and angry because the new state-of-the-art $40 million library was scheduled to be open already.

“It is an utter disgrace that this has happened to the people of Long Island City and while the day it opens will be a glorious day, it will always be an outrage that the library was mangled as it was given its importance to the community,” Van Bramer said.

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

Elected officials collect coats for families in need

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

Elected officials in western Queens are once again helping the 29th annual New York Cares coat drive reach its goal of collecting more than 125,000 coats this year.

City Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria), state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), Assemblyman Brian Barnwell (D-Maspeth) and Assemblywoman Aravella Simots (D-Astoria) gathered more than 100 lightly used winter coats donated by community members for families in need to wear.

“As temperatures continue to decrease throughout this winter, we must keep in mind that many New Yorkers endure the freezing outdoors with no relief,” Constantinudes said. “That’s why we coordinated this coat drive with New York Cares. We thank everyone who contributed to a warm, healthy and generous-spirited holiday season for all New Yorkers.”

New York Cares has more than 300 public collection sites, including every NYPD precinct citywide and both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. The organization is still accepting donations to buy more coats.

“The holiday season is a great time to give back and it is always important to remember those who may be less fortunate,” Gianaris said.

Barnwell added that the donated coats could save people’s lives, while Simotas thanked her neighbors.

“Our coat drive was a huge success, thanks to western Queens residents with big hearts and generous souls,” she said. “All these warm coats are the undeniable proof that ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’ still has meaning.”

Constantinides worked further to help struggling families enjoy the holiday season by collecting more than 150 toys at his district office, donated by community members, which were wrapped and distributed to children by Urban Ubound. He also collected donations of toiletries that were given to clients of Reality House, a veterans’ residence and outpatient treatment facility for individuals who have experienced substance abuse.

“As we enjoy the holidays with family, many children grow up without the opportunity to open Christmas or holiday gifts,” he said. “Many New Yorkers do not have access to everyday supplies, including toiletries. I thank all who participated in brightening the holidays for families in our poorest neighborhoods. We appreciate everyone who helped those less fortunate.”

New York Cares warns that 45 percent of New Yorkers are currently near or below the poverty line. The coat drive began Nov. 15 and wraps up Sunday.

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