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Andrew Sokolof Díaz Honored for Tenant Rights Activism


BQE Admin on August 20, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Andrew Sokolof Díaz, a lifelong Jackson Heights resident and dedicated community advocate, was presented the Irma E. Rodriguez Queens Community Builder Award on June 12, 2025, in recognition of his persistent efforts to unite neighbors and safeguard affordable housing in Queens.

The award, established in 2013 by Queens Community House (QCH), honors Queens residents who embody humility, tenacity, kindness, courage, compassion, and collaboration—qualities that the late community leader Irma E. Rodriguez championed throughout her life. The annual Celebrating Local Heroes event also recognized Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. for his leadership in advancing community values amid challenging times.

Sokolof Díaz’s commitment to tenant rights and community resilience has been unwavering. Born, raised, and now raising his family in Jackson Heights, he co-founded the 89th Street Tenants Unidos Association with his wife Jacqueline in 2017. This grassroots group played a critical role in preserving 133 units of deeply affordable housing, protecting longtime residents from displacement in an increasingly gentrified neighborhood.

“I’m a Queens kid. I was born here in Jackson Heights. I’m still here in Jackson Heights. I’m raising my son here with my wife at our building that we return to where we run the tenants Association,” Sokolof Díaz said.

His activism gained new urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many tenants faced job losses and food insecurity. Sokolof Díaz organized a food mutual aid network within his largely Latino immigrant building and helped lead a successful rent strike. “The pandemic, people had no food, literally. So we had to bring food every week from wherever we could for months,” he recalled.

In April 2021, an eight-alarm fire devastated several rent-stabilized buildings in Jackson Heights, displacing over 500 residents. The fire, sparked by an electrical fault in a senior’s apartment, led to months of uncertainty and threats of demolition. Sokolof Díaz and fellow tenant leaders mobilized legal aid, local nonprofits, and elected officials, including a high-profile press conference with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to demand humane treatment and long-term housing solutions.

“We were able to save the buildings overall, which is another big feat for us. It’s 132 units of really deeply affordable housing,” he said, noting that more than 90% of displaced families returned home after two years.

He credited the strength of community networks for this success. “There’s a lot of community support in Jackson Heights, the restaurants and the people that like brought us thanksgiving meals when people were still living in hotels with their children. That made it humane,” Sokolof Díaz said.

His advocacy extends beyond his immediate neighborhood. He has supported families affected by other fires in the Bronx and Sunnyside and is actively engaged with coalitions like FED-UP and Jackson Heights Indivisible, opposing private development on public land, including a contentious casino proposal.

Sokolof Díaz is firmly opposed to the proposed casino development in Flushing Meadows Park. Speaking from his experience as a tenant advocate, he called the casino plan “one of the most egregious, like thefts, that’s being sanctioned by all of our elected officials.” He emphasized that such projects threaten working-class communities by driving displacement and worsening affordability, saying, “I’m completely, completely opposed to any idea of a casino, let alone in this part of Queens, but in any working-class community.”

In his view, protecting tenants from displacement is inseparable from broader fights against economic and social injustice. “We’re under attack on all fronts in Queens, the working class communities, the immigrant communities here, are all under attack at all angles economically. It’s so important that we’re here, so that we’re not just like responding, but we’re able to push back,” he said.

Receiving the Irma E. Rodriguez Award was a meaningful milestone for Sokolof Díaz. “Personally? It means a lot. I’ve never been personally recognized for, for what I’ve been doing for, I guess, a decade or so now. It feels great. It feels really nice to be recognized,” he shared. Still, he emphasized the collective nature of community work: “It also shows that there’s, like so many other people out there that are, aren’t, you know, necessarily being recognized, but being elevated, so they can do the work they do.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. praised QCH’s role in fostering community during turbulent times. “What we have to do especially during this time, when we see civil rights under attack, women’s rights under attack, immigrant rights under attack, democracy under attack, we have to make sure that every community feels seen in our borough,” Richards said.

Queens Community House, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, serves over 26,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults annually across 40 sites in 15 neighborhoods. Executive Director Ben Thomases highlighted the organization’s mission: “In a world of increasing division and social isolation, QCH remains committed to building a Queens where everyone belongs.”

When asked what advice he would offer new organizers or residents interested in tenant advocacy and mutual aid, Sokolof Díaz said simply, “Don’t hesitate. You know, just, just talk to your next door neighbor, and that’s all it takes is to just begin talking to each other. Sometimes we’re looking for heroes and others to come save us, and it’s, it’s us, you know, who, who have the answers.”

Sokolof Díaz also acknowledged the personal sacrifices involved in his activism. “I was displaced in the fire with my wife and my infant son at the time. It’s very hard for people to organize and do this when they have their own families. I just want to nod to my wife and my son, who support me and who care about these issues and obviously also suffered through this with us,” he said.

 

Borough President Hosts Opioid Overdose Awareness Event

BQE Admin on May 15, 2025

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anat Gerstein, Inc.

 

— 463 purple ribbons at Queens Borough Hall represent the number of Queens residents who lost their lives to overdose in 2023 —

 

On Monday April 28th at Queens Borough Hall the Queens Borough president Donovon
Richards Jr. and Samaritan Daytop Village honor the Queens residents who lost their lives to
Opioid overdoses in 2023. The event was a sea of purple ribbons to represent those that lost their
lives. As of the last decade deaths from opioid overdoses have soared. In 2023, 3,046 died from
overdoses in New York City according to data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene. In 2023, 463 residents of Queens died from an overdose.

At the event, Peer Recovery Professionals from Samaritan’s Peer Alliance Recovery Centers
(PARC) spoke about the importance of harm reduction tools and strategies, including the life-
saving medication Narcan. Byron Summers, one of Samaritan’s peer professionals, shared his
personal experience with substance use and recovery. If you or someone you know is seeking
recovery support in Queens, you can reach Samaritan Daytop Village’s PARC Queens
program at (929) 244-1445.

The CEO & President of Samaritan Daytop Mitchell Netburn talks about the ribbons and what
they represent. “Every one of the 463 purple ribbons placed here today represents a person who
mattered—someone who laughed, loved, and was loved,” said Netburn. Samaritan Daytop has a
program that reduces harm reduction for over 60 years to find recovery through treatment for
addiction. They share strategies to reduce harm. “Home to our headquarters and 18 of our
program sites, Queens has always been at the heart of our work. We are deeply committed to
helping its residents on their recovery journeys. We are grateful to our government and elected
partners who join us in this fight–together, we know we can end the overdose crisis.” he says.

The Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr talks about the impact of the Opioid
crisis and how it has impacted Queens. “The scourge of opioid addiction has taken a
terrible toll on Queens, with so many precious lives being snuffed out much too soon,”
said Richards Jr. “Fortunately, we have an organization like Samaritan Daytop Village
that is working to address this crisis through its comprehensive treatment of substance
abuse disorders. Thanks to Samaritan Daytop Village, there is hope for a better life for all
those who are trapped in the depths of drug addiction.” he says.

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Today, we gather to honor the lives lost to a devastating crisis
that continues to impact our community. We must stand united in our efforts to expand access to
life-saving resources like Narcan and invest in comprehensive addiction treatment and
prevention programs. Every life lost is a call to action — and together, we can turn the tide on
this epidemic and offer hope and healing to those in need,” said Addabbo, Jr.

New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Every life lost to overdose is one too many. Today’s
gathering is a solemn reminder that behind every ribbon is a neighbor, a family, and a future cut
short. I’m grateful to Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners for their tireless work to
prevent these tragedies. Together, we must continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and
recovery efforts that meet people where they are and ensure no family faces this crisis alone,”
said Comrie.

With Funding being cut for these programs assembly member Jessica González-Rojas highlights
just how important these programs are to reduce the impact of the opioid crisis “Many New
Yorkers are struggling with substance use disorders and suffering unnecessarily. With an
administration cutting critical funding for lifesaving healthcare, we have to do more for our
neighbors. New York is experiencing higher than national rates of opioid overdose deaths, for
example. According to the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a fatal
overdose occurs every three hours, resulting in eight deaths a day, and that’s just in New York
City. And we know this epidemic is impacting Black and Brown people at a higher rate than
others. Today is such an important reminder that we have to keep fighting for the lives of New
Yorkers. My bill, A069 enacts the Opioid Stewardship Fund, which will ensure that the state is
investing in recovery services, while A6554 ensures transparency of how $2.6 billion received
through a settlement is spent. The lives of New Yorkers are not bargaining chips. It is time we
put New Yorkers first and build a better, healthier society,” said González-Rojas.

Assemblyman David I. Weprin comments “Queens continues to face a devastating surge in
overdose fatalities, driven largely by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. We must confront this
crisis by increasing funding for mental health and substance use disorder services along with
investing in long-term recovery resources,” said Weprin.

Speaker Adrienne Adams “Substance use disorders can tear people away from who they are and
those they love, and it’s up to our government to provide a system of care so that people can get
help,” said Adams. “Each purple ribbon represents a son, daughter, a loved one whose life was
cut too short. We must approach this crisis with solutions that center harm reduction, prevention,
and treatment, and expand access to community-based care, especially in communities across
Queens that are disproportionately affected by overdose deaths. As Speaker, I am committed to
working with partners across government to present meaningful and holistic solutions that can
curb this crisis.” she says.

Council Member, and Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions
Linda Lee “The opioid overdose crisis is a devastating public health epidemic that has claimed
too many lives in our city—including 463 of our Queens neighbors in 2023 alone,” said Lee.
“With data showing that a New Yorker dies from a drug overdose every three hours, we must
lean on community partners like Samaritan Daytop Village, whose dedicated, on-the-ground
efforts are helping lead the way out of this crisis. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to
prevention and rehabilitation programs for the New Yorkers who need them most.” Lee says.

Council Member Lynn Schulman, “As Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I am committed to ensuring we address the overdose crisis with compassion, urgency, and evidence-based solutions. Every life lost to overdose is a preventable tragedy, and we must continue expanding access to harm reduction resources like Narcan, treatment services, and community-based support. I stand with Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners in the fight to save lives and build a healthier New York,” said Schulman.

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams “Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that
ripples through families and neighborhoods. The work of Samaritan Daytop Village isn’t
just about recovery; it’s about building a system of care rooted in compassion, access, and
responsibility. In a city where too many families are grieving in silence, their commitment
to prevention, support, and healing is essential. I’m grateful for the space they create
where dignity and care are prioritized, and people are met with respect, not judgment,”
said Williams.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino “Opioid overdose awareness is a critical issue that affects
individuals of all ages and backgrounds.Each life lost to this crisis leaves families heartbroken
and communities deeply impacted. It is essential that communities across the city—including
right here in Queens—address this growing epidemic with urgency and a commitment to raising
awareness and providing support for those at risk,” said Paladino.

PARC Peer Professional Jacqueline Roman, “Every life is worth saving and everyone deserves a
chance. Given the right circumstances, everyone can thrive. We need to meet people where they
are and help them stay healthy,” said Roman.

“Get connected and stay connected,” said Summers.

The Ridgewood Jazz Festival Takes the Neighborhood by Sound

BQE Admin on May 15, 2025

 

By: Zachary Weg

Zweg@queensledger.com

 

The Ridgewood Jazz Festival dazzled the neighborhood over
the weekend.

Started by award-winning jazz bassist, Michael Feinberg, the
festival was in its inaugural edition and displayed a range of musical
talent. For Feinberg, an Atlanta native who’s been a Ridgewood
resident for a decade, the event was especially meaningful.

“I had some experience doing curating, artistic directing
festivals before, and I had been booking my own groups for two
decades,” he says. “So I kind of just took all of those skills and put it
into the creation of an organization called Ridgewood Jazz, which is
not just this festival. We do other events in the neighborhood, and
it’s a community thing. Y’know, I spent 20 years on the road and so,
now, it’s nice that I get to walk to my gig.”

In addition to Dada Bar on Myrtle Avenue, the festival
primarily took place at Trans-Pecos on Wyckoff Avenue. A verdant
venue, with plants hanging from the rafters and a spacious
backyard, it was a fitting space for the relaxed atmosphere of the
festival. It also served as a respite for Feinberg after months of
preparation for the program.

“I’ve been working on this since October,” he says. “You
obsessively, 24/7 are doing things for this festival, thinking,
researching, making calls and emails, and all of this stuff. So when it
finally…here it is, y’know, we had a countdown on the website. 72
days away, 60, and I’m just staring at it, like, ‘We have how many
days left?’”

For the festival’s lineup, Feinberg sought musicians who defied
easy categorization. “I tried to keep a pretty varied program,” he
says. “We have all different types of artists who are in the ‘jazz’
spectrum. Jazz is one of those words that has really no specific
meaning. So, when you say ‘jazz’ to someone, are they thinking
about Miles Davis or Kenny G? Are they thinking about Stan Getz
plays Bossa Nova’s?

“Are they thinking about Preservation Hall, Louis Armstrong,
or Count Basie? These are all jazz. What’s cool is that almost none of
the artists are playing similar styles of music, but they all are
encapsulated in the umbrella of jazz. So that was really important.
Diversity is really important.”

Feinberg continues, “Having as much music, and bringing
different audiences together, so some that are more straight-ahead
jazz fans, some that are maybe more avant-garde, some that are
maybe into more electronic, some that are into Latin Jazz. We
wanted to bring all of those different audiences under one roof, into
one neighborhood. So there’s something for everybody, and
hopefully you get turned on to a new artist that you didn’t even
know about.”

One such artist is the twenty-four-year-old Montenegrin singer, Maša Vujadinović. Opening the festivities Saturday night, Vujadinović stunned attendees with her shattering soprano. Playing songs off her forthcoming EP, the musician delved into a kind of folk-jazz. She plays both the guitar and keyboards but it’s her elastic voice that makes her a revelation.

Playing a few feet away indoors was someone quite different:
the Nate Wood ‘Four,’ the number referring not to a quartet but
rather the different instruments Wood played. Holding a guitar
behind a drum kit and maneuvering some synthesizers as he sang,
the musician played pulsating electronica that got audience
members dancing.

Then, among several other performers during the weekend,
there was headliner, Karriem Riggins. A Detroit native who was a
close friend and collaborator of the late hip-hop savant, J Dilla,
Riggins is a drummer who has played with everyone from Ray
Brown to Earl Sweatshirt. An alchemist of jazz and hip-hop, he is
particularly special to Feinberg and was tapped by him to front the
festival.

“It’s just an honor to play the festival,” Riggins says. “Every
time I play in New York, it’s special. To be a part of this festival, and
to see the hard work that he’s [Feinberg] put into it, I’m honored to
be a part of it and for the people to come and receive it.”

As Feinberg, who would proceed Saturday night to play a sizzling set with Riggins, concludes, “Hopefully, in six months, in a year, or in five years, we see that this is inspiring other creators, producers, venues, and audiences to come here. What we don’t want is for these corporate venues…because, now, Ridgewood is getting popular, that you’re going to have a Live Nation venue that comes here and kind of ruins our community. Great, so now we have a concert venue that we’re bringing huge artists to, but that also is disenfranchising the people who are already here that make this neighborhood great, that make this scene happening.”

Tax Lien Sale Puts Brooklyn and Queens Homes on the Line

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

Courtesy Freepik

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

With less than three weeks until New York City’s first tax lien sale since the
pandemic, thousands of homeowners—particularly in Brooklyn and Queens—face
potential displacement from properties where many have lived for generations.

On May 20, the city will auction off the liens on properties with outstanding debts
for taxes, water bills, or emergency repairs. The move could set thousands of
working- and middle-class homeowners on a fast track to foreclosure. Notices were
mailed two weeks ago to property owners included in the sale, triggering a 30-day
countdown that housing advocates warn is especially dangerous for low- and
moderate-income (LMI) New Yorkers and communities of color.

In response, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods (CNYCN), a city-funded nonprofit,
has launched a full-scale outreach campaign to connect at-risk homeowners with
resources that may help them avoid the sale.

“This is basically the way that New York City collects debt on delinquent… property
taxes, water debt, or HPD emergency repair liens,” said Kevin Wolfe, Director of
Outreach and Public Affairs at CNYCN. “What basically happens is… those who are on
the tax lien sale must be notified… We are less than 20 days away from the lien sale,
basically. And we are… at the final stretch, trying to make sure that the homeowners
who are on the lien sale are able to get off.”

The sale, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
executive intervention by state officials, has returned in full for the first time in four
years. Advocates like Wolfe say its structure unfairly burdens small homeowners.

“Homeowners make up a disproportionate amount of those that are on the lien
sale,” Wolfe said, pointing to city data showing that while they represent 18% of the
total debt, their properties comprise about 42% of those included in the sale.

Homeowners with even modest debts—many under $5,000—can lose their homes if the lien is sold and they are unable to resolve it. “Once it’s at that stage, then you
have a lot fewer options and a lot fewer rights,” Wolfe warned.

The burden also falls disproportionately on Black and Latino communities. “Black
homeowners are six times more likely to be on the lien sale than white
homeowners. Hispanic, Latino homeowners are twice as likely,” Wolfe said. “Those
same neighborhoods that were redlined are the same neighborhoods that have the
highest concentrations of liens in 2024.”

Courtesy CNYCN

In response, CNYCN has organized nearly 50 outreach events across the five
boroughs, particularly targeting Southeast Queens and central Brooklyn—two areas
with the highest concentrations of at-risk homeowners. These events offer on-the-
spot help from legal, housing, and financial counselors, and are free to homeowners
through funding from the New York City Council.

The organization is urging anyone who received a 30-day notice to act immediately.
“Even if you’re reading this article the day before the lien sale, call us,” Wolfe said.
“We basically say it’s not too late. I know that it’s a scary situation. A lot of people
don’t even want to open the mail… but we will do our utmost to provide assistance
and get you off the lien sale.”

One critical option is the city’s “Easy Exit” program, which can remove eligible
homeowners from the lien sale list for a year while they work to resolve their debt.
“Most people do qualify—if your household income is about $107,000 or less, you
can be pulled off the lien sale,” Wolfe explained.

Other options include payment plans with reduced interest rates, property tax
deferral through the Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PTAID) program, and
permanent exemptions for seniors or people with disabilities.

CNYCN is also warning homeowners to be vigilant against scammers. Because the
lien sale list is public and includes contact information and debt amounts, it’s
become a gold mine for predatory actors. “They’ll offer to buy your air rights, or say
‘we’ll help you get this resolved,’ and then just take their money… It turns out that
they’re signing over their deed,” Wolfe said, noting that central Brooklyn—one of
the hardest-hit areas—is also a hotspot for deed theft.

For assistance, CNYCN encourages homeowners to call its Homeowner Hub at 646-
786-0888, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dial 311 and
request help with a tax lien. More information is also available on the group’s
website, including a tax lien tracker that visualizes the sale’s disproportionate
impact across the city.

Community Icon Helen Sokol Marks 103 Years in Queens

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Helen Sokol turned 103 this year, and as with each passing milestone, she was
surrounded by friends, family, and fellow community members at the Frank
Kowalinski Post No. 4 in Maspeth, where she was honored once again for her life of
resilience, service, and warmth.

Born in 1922 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Sokol has lived through a century of
change and history — much of it from her longtime home in Queens, where she
settled nearly 80 years ago. The daughter of Slovak immigrants, she arrived in New
York in the 1940s, first staying in Middle Village before moving to Elmhurst with her
late husband, Emil. The couple raised three sons and now have two grandchildren.

At this year’s celebration, representatives from Councilman Robert Holden’s and
Senator Joseph Addabbo’s offices presented Sokol with certificates recognizing her
contributions to the community and congratulating her on her remarkable
longevity.

Councilman Holden’s office praised her enduring commitment to civic engagement,
with staffer Phil Wong presenting her a Certificate of Recognition. “I am presenting
this to Helen from the Councilman Robert Holden’s office,” Wong said. “This
Certificate of Recognition presented to Helen Soko on her service to our
neighborhood and for her one hundred and third birthday celebration.”

A representative from Senator Addabbo’s office echoed those sentiments. “Senator
Joseph Addabbo recognizes and congratulates Helen’s uncle on the occasion of 100
and third birthday,” he said.

Sokol, who is known for her sharp wit and love of swing music, spoke candidly
about aging and the struggles she’s encountered recently, particularly with
healthcare.

“Turning 103… it’s a big change,” she said, reflecting on the shift she noticed in her
health after turning 102. She shared a frustrating experience with physical therapy
for vertigo, describing poor communication and inadequate treatment. “At least I
learned a little bit,” she said. “I’m trying to do things by myself now.”

Despite recent challenges, Sokol remains deeply engaged in her community. For decades, she’s been a member of the women’s civic organization that meets at the
Post, dating back to its original location on Seabury Street. The group, now
supported by the AARP, continues to serve local churches and address community
needs through regular meetings and outreach.

“I think the women who attend here genuinely enjoy it because they feel they can
speak their minds and see it lead to positive change,” Sokol said. “It’s a friendly
place.”

This year’s event was not just a birthday celebration, but a reaffirmation of Sokol’s
legacy — one rooted in family, service, and a sense of humor that remains intact.

A Woodside food pantry giving back to the community

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

Sierra Ryan
News@queensledger.com

 

Ernestine Smith runs a food pantry along with a group of volunteers in Woodside Queens. Every
Friday Smith and volunteers would stand outside with a table packing bags for those in need.
Whether that would be hot food, cold food, socks, underwear or Easter baskets for the kids Smith
is dedicated to helping those that need it.
Smith started out as a member of an organization called the National Hook-Up of Black Women
where she noticed there was an increase in homelessness in the area so she decided to take
action. “I was scrolling through social media and a blessing bag had popped up on my timeline,
people were making blessing bags in other states and I thought that was a great idea” Smith says
“I brought it to the lady and because it involved going out and dealing with homelessness and
mental health they were kinda against it so I started to do it on my own. I started purchasing
things and making bags on my own and handing them out of my car.”
Smith was then able to expand and bring her blessing bags to different boroughs until the
pandemic hit. After that was over she went back to Harlem due to the high level of
homelessness. Her son Mariam convinced her to start doing a food pantry in Woodside since
that’s where she has lived for 39 years. Smith “Then my son said to me a year and a half ago
mom you serve every other community but you lived in woodside but you don’t know the
residents so I think it would be dope if you bought a food pantry here and when I got back from
Africa I started a food pantry here.”

Smith was inspired by her mother. Growing up in South Jamaica Queens in the 70’s during the
food stamp era many lower income communities were often affected by drugs. When Smith was
younger her mother would do things to help the community. Smith and her siblings would often
go to food pantries to pick up supplies and her mother would cook food to feed the whole
neighborhood. One particular example is during Mothers day her mother would help mothers
that were addicts get dressed up for church. This way their kids could see them in a positive
light. “For every mothers day she would fix the mothers up even if they were on drugs or
whatever their situation was she would make sure they would have a wig and she would do their
make up and make sure they had a dress and she would fix them up and go to church. So if their
kids did not see them in a good space any other time in their life they know that Mothers day or
New Years or any holiday my mother would always make sure the kids would have a good
experience for that day.”
Smith has a history of health issues including a heart monitor but despite that Smith can’t stand
to sit in the house and do nothing “I’m not supposed to be doing any of this. I’m really supposed
to be home resting and not doing anything stressful or strenuous but being home drives me crazy
and my only good space is my pantry. ” Smith says.
Since Smith is not funded she hopes that she can get funding from the government soon. As of
now the funding comes from Smith herself along with small donations from friends and family.
Smith is currently using credit cards to pay for Uhaul trucks to pick up food. “My hope is that I
can be funded by the government and have a drop in center where I can provide washing
machines, showers, computers, maybe temporary bedding for domestic violence,” She said. “I
would like to have parenting classes for teenage mothers and parenting classes for teenage fathers I would like to have public assistance come out and sign people up for medicaid or food stamps housing and we need vehicles”

To follow updates on the pantry Smith has a Tiktok tikka714_ and a facebook page Marians love
4 all inc.

Borough President Richards Outlines Bold Plans in Annual Address

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In his third annual State of the Borough address, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. delivered an ambitious and determined vision for the future of the borough. Speaking before a full house at the Queens Theatre on April 25, Richards reviewed his administration’s progress over the past year, emphasizing key initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, social services, and environmental sustainability.

The address kicked off with a heartfelt performance of the Star Spangled Banner by students from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders, starting with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who took the podium to express his admiration for Borough President Donovan Richards and the vibrant Queens community. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also addressed the crowd, praising Queens as a microcosm of America, with its rich blend of cultures and immigrant stories. Williams commended Richards for his deep understanding of the borough’s complexities and challenges.

The evening continued with a performance of Summer Wind by the renowned RIOULT Dance New York, before Speaker of the NYC Council, Adrienne Adams, delivered a pointed critique of the Trump administration. Adams emphasized the importance of standing firm in Queens to protect New Yorkers, underscoring her partnership with Richards in “Trump-proofing” City Hall. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also spoke, thanking local officials and the community for their support in tackling crime. She highlighted efforts to dismantle gangs, remove illegal weapons from the streets, combat human trafficking, and educate the public on scams, ensuring the borough remains safe and resilient.

Richards began his speech with a sharp critique of federal policies, particularly those under former President Donald Trump, which he argued posed significant threats to the people of Queens. “Now we’re going to do things a little differently this year, no fluff, no rhetoric, because we don’t have time to play games.” Richards said. “The state of our borough is precarious, Queens is under attack. Our wallets, our families, our futures, our values, our way of life.”  His defiant tone set the stage for the rest of the address, where he emphasized the borough’s resilience and diverse strength as the key to overcoming these challenges.

Immigration and Social Services

Richards highlighted his administration’s efforts to protect and support Queens’ immigrant communities, underscoring initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” workshops held in Corona and Queens Borough Hall, as well as resource fairs in Flushing. His office’s Immigration Task Force continues to connect residents to essential services, including legal and community support.

Notable investments included:

Make the Road Community Center: $1.8 million to support this Corona-based center, which provides legal services, childcare, and educational opportunities for local residents.

Variety Boys and Girls Club: An additional $5 million toward expanding this Astoria-based facility, following a previous $5 million investment in 2020.

River Fund Center: $3 million allocated for Richmond Hill’s nonprofit that provides food pantry services, SNAP enrollment assistance, and more.

Arverne East Aquatics Center: $46 million secured from the state, alongside an additional $36 million from city and borough funds, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility for the community.

Richards also discussed the planned $132 million Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, with $15 million allocated for renovations to the existing facility.

Borough President Richards also pointed to the significant strides already being made to address the swimming disparity gap, citing recent investments in public swimming pools in underserved neighborhoods. He specifically mentioned the allocation of resources to build and refurbish pools in locations where they are most needed, such as in the communities of Far Rockaway and South Jamaica. These new and renovated facilities will serve as vital community hubs, offering swimming lessons, water safety programs, and recreational opportunities for youth and adults alike. Richards emphasized that these pools are not just amenities—they are life-changing investments that equip residents with critical skills, promote physical activity, and enhance community cohesion.

Education Initiatives:

Richards focused on education as a cornerstone of Queens’ future, highlighting the $25 million allocated this year for Queens public schools, including the creation of new culinary arts kitchens at several schools. His administration also secured funding for:

$1 million to renovate P.S. 177Q, a special education school in Fresh Meadows.

Construction of a new 547-seat elementary school in Long Island City and a 700-seat annex at Forest Hills High School.

The opening of Motion Picture Technical High School and the upcoming Northwell School of Health and Sciences.

Since taking office, Richards has directed over $78 million in capital funding for school improvements.

Economic Development and Job Creation:

On the economic front, Richards detailed the progress of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport, including the $100 million refresh of Terminal 5 in partnership with JetBlue. This project, expected to create over 15,000 jobs, is a significant part of the borough’s broader economic growth strategy. Richards also noted that over $1 billion in contracts from the JFK redevelopment have been awarded to Queens-based businesses.

The Global Tech and Innovation Center, located at One Court Square, also received attention, with $5 million in funding for its development. Richards is committed to making Queens a hub for tech startups and innovation, a goal reinforced by the success of the borough’s annual Queens Tech and Career Expo.

Healthcare Investments: 

Queens’ first standalone cancer center at Jamaica Hospital, funded with $180 million in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Richards shared a poignant story about his grandmother, who was forced to navigate an inadequate healthcare system that ultimately failed her. He vowed to continue advocating for people in similar situations, ensuring that no one is left behind due to systemic inequities. His commitment to improving the borough’s healthcare infrastructure stems from a deeply personal place, as he understands the critical importance of accessible, quality care for all, particularly those in underserved communities.

The groundbreaking of a $30 million Gotham Health Clinic in Rockaway Village, slated to serve over 19,000 patients annually by 2027.

The expansion of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s labor and delivery unit, currently under construction. Richards also addressed the troubling maternal and infant mortality rates in Queens, particularly among Black women, who experience higher rates than any other demographic group. He emphasized that the borough’s new $30 million labor and delivery unit, under construction at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, is a vital step toward addressing this inequality. No woman, Richards argued, should have to leave her community to receive the care she deserves during one of the most important moments of her life. The new facility will offer comprehensive care to expectant mothers, helping to reduce these disparities and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants in Queens.

Since taking office, Richards has allocated $36 million toward improving healthcare facilities across the borough.

Environmental and Energy Initiatives:

In the realm of environmental sustainability, Richards emphasized his administration’s commitment to green infrastructure, citing more than $44 million invested into parks across Queens, including major upgrades at Cunningham, Brookville, Baisley, and Juniper Valley parks.

Champlain Hudson Power Express, which will bring hydroelectricity from Canada to Queens starting in 2026.

The transformation of the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City into a renewable wind energy facility, which is expected to power 700,000 homes.

Richards also pledged $5.2 million for hydroponics labs in Queens schools and continued expansion of the borough’s Open Streets program.

Transportation Improvements:

Richards provided an update on several key transportation initiatives, including the upcoming $30 million Queens Bus Network Redesign, set to take effect in June, which will improve service on 20 bus routes and introduce 17 new routes.

Another major transportation project is the $5.5 billion Interborough Express, which will link Queens to Brooklyn, cutting commute times and benefiting millions of riders annually.

Affordable Housing:

Richards also reviewed the borough’s progress on affordable housing, noting the following developments:

Willets Point Development: Phase one, which includes 2,500 affordable units, a new school, and public park space, is slated for completion in 2026.

The One LIC Plan, which would add 14,000 affordable housing units in the Queensboro Bridge area, entered the public review process in April.

Arverne East: A community that has already seen hundreds of families move into newly built affordable housing units.

Beach Green Dunes III: New affordable housing units in Far Rockaway, with 116 units launched in a recent housing lottery.

Looking Forward:

In his closing remarks, Richards urged Queens residents to stand united in the face of national challenges, asserting that their collective strength would continue to drive the borough’s success. “I choose you, Queens. I choose the borough that builds riches, not burns them. I choose the borough that opens its arms to the world, not closes its doors to it,” he said.

Protest to Reopen Rainey Park Brings Community Together

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

By Alice Moreno

Tom Griffin — a local Astoria resident and protest organizer — stood by Rainey Park at 10:00 a.m. sharp with a makeshift, paper-made yellow megaphone with the words “We the People” and “Thou Shalt Reopen Rainey Park” written on it, and a cart filled with signs in favor of Rainey Park’s reopening. He had one mission to accomplish: to have his and other local residents’ voices heard by city officials.

“I’ve had people contact us about this demonstration, complaining that their 83-year-old mother relies on this green space because she lives just around the corner and is infirm, and this is the sole access to a park for her,” said Griffin, as he shares his frustrations. “So for the past year and eight months, at this point, there’s been no park access for her.”

Rainey Park, located at 34-24 Vernon Blvd in Astoria, has been under construction since September 2023, according to the official website of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It had a projected completion date of September 2024 and has been adjusted to April 2025. The $8.5 million project was expected to reconstruct the playground, picnic grove, and basketball courts at the park.

However, residents aren’t seeing the change; in fact, the lack of parks is actively affecting their community. From the area, the closest parks are both Queensbridge Park — a 15-minute walk — and Astoria Park — a 25-minute walk — which render them inaccessible to those who are elderly, disabled, or own dogs. Many are also concerned by overcrowding in nearby parks such as Socrates Sculpture Park, making it difficult for those to walk around or play.

“It’s sad that a lot of the kids in the neighborhood don’t have a park anymore,” said Elia Sliba, a protester and resident of Astoria. “They’ve been playing in cement, like around the neighborhood. There are no playgrounds, and the closest Park is Queensbridge, and that’s kind of far for the parents to walk over there.”

Business owners are also getting affected by the park’s closure. Yesse Siqal, owner of “Bakers Cafe LIC” located across the street from Rainey Park, has noticed a significant decrease in foot traffic caused by the closure. It led to his business, which recently opened up two years ago, struggling financially.

“I went from like, going through all my life savings to getting a loan just to survive, because it’s it’s very hard to sustain,” said Siqal.

The idea of a protest began circling around the social media platform Reddit on April 1, when Griffin, under the username KickBlue22, posted on the Astoria thread about his frustrations with the park being closed for so long. Under the thread, many local residents also shared their discontent, with many thinking that the delayed opening is from a lack of budget. On April 11, Griffin made a separate post, urging residents to show up to the protest, hoping that a large number of people causing noise would bring attention to those around it.

Many residents, including Griffin, have also reached out to representatives of New York City Parks and Recreation and city officials, such as Tiffany Caban, via email.

In an email sent October 18, 2024, Griffin had asked the Capital Project Tracker email about the opening date of the park (it was then slated for September 2024). He received a response on November 16 from a representative of NYC Parks, apologizing for the delay due to supply chain issues. Griffin sent follow-up emails from December until February of 2025, with no response.

In an email thread dated from December 11 to 13, Griffin reached out to a representative of District 26 of the NYC Council, asking for clarification on park opening. After being transferred through various representatives, he received a response from John Guana, a representative of Caban’s office, who did not have any information regarding the opening and was still awaiting further information on a timeline for the construction. By December 19, a representative of Caban’s office responded to Griffin, stating that the park was 94% complete, and the opening date on the Park’s website was yet to be updated.

Griffin had also commented on Caban’s Instagram, asking to join him on the protest. He did not receive a response.

With over a dozen people showing up in the cold and rain, Astoria resident’s dedication to their green spaces is evident. As a plethora of cars beeped in support, many of the protesters cheered and chanted, all with a common goal to bring back their beloved park.

“This is the only park we had around here, and now they just took that away from us,” said Marcia Guerra, an Astoria resident. “It’s really upsetting. It’s just a waste of time and resources, and it’s something that our kids should be enjoying.”

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens Celebrates Earth Day

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

Nino Todua

News@queensledger.com

Each year, we celebrate Earth Day – a time where we reflect and remind ourselves on how we should be taking care of the planet’s ecosystem for the upcoming new generations that will inherit the Earth. On April 22, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) in Sunnyside celebrated Planet’s day. The VBGCQ offers a safe, supportive space where children can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Through after-school tutoring, sports, creative arts, and leadership programs, the Club helps kids build confidence, stay active, and explore their talents.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness, the Club recently opened a rooftop farm designed specifically for the children who attend its programs. This vibrant space offers a unique blend of fun and education, where kids can actively engage in hands-on gardening – planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops themselves. Through this interactive experience, they not only enjoy outdoor entertainment but also develop valuable habits centered around sustainability, responsibility, and care for nature. The rooftop farm serves as both a physical activity and a learning tool, inspiring a deeper connection to the environment and encouraging a healthy, well-balanced way of life from an early age.

The opening of the event was attended by members of the local community and civil servants including Justin E. Driscoll, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), among others. The attendees spoke about the importance of the Club in the daily lives of the youth and future generations, emphasizing the need to raise and support them in a healthy environment. They expressed their full support for the Club’s administration in order to promote active participation of children in the organized activities, which they believe is essential and vital for shaping a healthy lifestyle for the new generation.

By encouraging movement, play, and awareness, the club reminded us that caring for our planet begins with nurturing the next generation — the stewards of our future. After all, the energy and well-being of our children mirror the vitality we hope to see in the world around us.

Two NYPD Officers Indicted for Misconduct in Jackson Heights

BQE Admin on April 10, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Two probationary NYPD officers have been indicted on multiple charges, including
burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct, following an investigation into
alleged misconduct while on duty in Jackson Heights.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on March 31 that Justin McMillan,
27, and Justin Colon, 24, both assigned to the 115th Precinct, face eight criminal
counts related to incidents that occurred on July 19 and 20, 2024. According to the
charges, the officers responded to a 311 call regarding prostitution at a residential
building on 89th Street.

Upon arrival, the officers allegedly deactivated their body-worn cameras before
interacting with a woman who had just exited the building. The officers are accused
of taking a key from the woman, which they used to return to the building hours
later.

Around eight hours later, McMillan and Colon allegedly entered the building using
the stolen key. Inside, they found a woman engaged in prostitution. After the man
involved fled the scene, McMillan is accused of stealing money from the woman’s
purse and groping her before she fled the location and called 911.

The officers did not report the incident or file any paperwork related to their
actions, and both were placed on modified duty in August 2024 after the
investigation began. They surrendered to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)
on Monday.

District Attorney Katz condemned the officers’ alleged actions, stating that the
charges represented a serious breach of public trust.

“The allegations in this case are an affront to the shield worn by the countless police
officers who serve and protect the residents of this city,” Katz said. “The defendants,
both sworn NYPD officers, are accused of using their authority to break into a
building, steal money and forcibly touch a woman while on duty, with their body-
worn cameras intentionally turned off so that their misdeeds would not be
recorded. I thank the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their crucial assistance in
bringing charges against the two defendants, both of whom are now indicted and
face justice in our courts.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also spoke out against the officers, emphasizing
the department’s commitment to holding officers accountable.

“Wearing the uniform of a New York City Police Officer is one of the highest
privileges in law enforcement, and the legitimacy of that work is based on the
public’s trust,” Tisch said. “So, when that trust is broken, as it was in this case, the
entire police department must answer for it. I want to thank the NYPD’s Internal
Affairs Bureau, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and everyone else who worked
on this investigation. We hold our officers to the highest standard of professionalism
and integrity, and failing to meet that standard is disqualifying. Let me be perfectly
clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held
fully accountable. That standard will never change.”

McMillan and Colon face charges of burglary in the second and third degrees,
forcible touching, petit larceny, and official misconduct. If convicted of the top
charge, they could each face up to 15 years in prison.

Both officers were arraigned Monday and are due back in court on April 28. The
case is being prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, with Assistant
District Attorney Christine Oliveri leading the prosecution.

McMillan, who joined the NYPD in April 2023, and Colon, who joined in July 2023,
were both stationed at the 115th Precinct after completing their training.

Former area councilmember and senator Hiram Monserrate expressed shock at the
indictment of two local NYPD officers, Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, who are
accused of using their authority to break into a building, steal money, and forcibly
touch a woman while on duty. Monserrate criticized the officers’ actions, which
allegedly took place on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, emphasizing the
disturbing erosion of trust in law enforcement due to the officers’ alleged

misconduct. He acknowledged that many local officers perform commendably but
stressed the need for integrity and accountability within the department.

“While we respect the presumption of innocence in our
judicial system, everyone is accountable before the law,” Monserrate said in a
statement. “This indictment will serve only to erode trust. I know many of our local
officers and I know they do great work, but this revelation is chilling. We need our
police officers to step up and for the Police Department to ensure integrity.”

Monserrate also highlighted the ongoing issues of prostitution and human
trafficking on Roosevelt Avenue, including frequent complaints about brothels and
street walkers in the area. He noted the community’s efforts to address these
problems through marches, rallies, and press conferences but stressed that the
situation remains a serious concern.

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