Gottlieb Run Outrages Lancman

LocaL cLassifieds inside

April 15, 2012 Your Neighborhood — Your News® Renaissance Gottlieb run outrages Lancman turns LIC into Accusations fly among Democrats as fourth enters congressional race prime location seeking a spot in the Democratic And then the finger pointing Gottlieb, who he called a “long- By Joe Anuta primary for a Queens congres- began. time party hack,” as a sham can- By Rebecca Henely sional seat, state Assemblyman Lancman accused the didate. After word spread that Jeff Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Mead- Queens County Democrats and “Today, the Meng campaign The opening of JetBlue’s new Gottlieb, a 70-year-old employee of ows) said it was a ploy to siphon state Assemblywoman Grace has been caught red-handed in office and a new park in Long Is- the state Board of Elections, was votes away from him. Meng’s campaign of propping up one of the most malicious schemes land City last week was hailed as any of us have ever seen: an outra- a milestone for the community by geous ploy to deceive Jewish vot- leaders around the city, but the Pl a y Ba l l ! ers with a fraudulent candidate neighborhood has been growing designed to manipulate the elec- and changing for some time. toral process in her favor,” said After years of being known Lancman’s campaign manager, as a manufacturing mecca, Long Mark Benoit. Island City has become one of Lancman contends that Jew- Queens’ most up-and-coming ish voters will pull the lever for communities. Gottlieb just be- Its million-dollar views of cause of his Jew- Manhattan ish last name, have attract- Full coverage taking away ed residential votes the assem- development, PAGES 18,19 blyman believes would otherwise the hotel in- go to him. dustry has thrived on its streets, Gottlieb has never held pub- institutions like MOMA PS1 and lic office, but worked for several 5Pointz have made it an artistic borough lawmakers and was the center and the crime rate in the vice president of the John F. Ken- 108th Precinct has dropped to one nedy Democratic Club, where, of the lowest levels in the city. according to Lancman, he was The new life for the neigh- gathering signatures for Assem- borhood has its leaders’ eyes blywoman Grace Meng (D-Flush- fixed on a bright future, but resi- ing) just last week. dents have clashed with hoteliers, Aidan Perovic (l.) and Daniel Torres get comfy on the grass at the conclusion of the annual Ridgewood-Glendale- The heated comments from found themselves shut out of park- Middle Village-Maspeth Little League Parade, which kicks of the youth baseball season. See story Page 16. Lancman’s camp were just the Photo by Christina Santucci ing spots and endured disruptive Continued on Page 20 public transportation delays. Muni-Meter reform should Groper strikes Sunnyside

help business growth in boro By Rebecca Henely tan) and Sunnyside’s On Sunday at 5:45 By Phil Corso elected officials back to a.m., a Hispanic man in In a replay of the re- the No. 7 46th Street-Bliss his late 20s jumped on The rush to the Muni-Meter is over. sponse to earlier sexual Street subway stop Tues- and sexually assaulted A new law giving drivers the chance to fight un- assaults in the area, the day morning to alert the a 30-year-old Sunnyside fair parking tickets should boost local businesses, City attack on a woman in community. woman on 46th Street Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) said Sunnyside Gardens Eas- “It’s very unfor- near 39th Avenue. Monday. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer hands ter Sunday brought City tunate that we are at Mike Novak, who “This is a common-sense law. If you park your car out fliers about a groping in Sunnyside. Council Speaker Chris- the corner once again,” lives nearby, heard her Continued on Page 20 Photo by Christina Santucci tine Quinn (D-Manhat- Quinn said. Continued on Page 20

A CNG Publication • Vol. 1, No. 3 Updated Every Day at TimesLedger.Com 10 Woodside nonproﬁ t plans gala to help children

BY REBECCA HENELY youth development. the center. He said he was thropic organizations, will COM . These programs can doing this because he un- be given the Generation Woodside’s The Child include anything from child derstands the value of the One Award. This award Center of NY will be hold- care to parenting classes to services they offer, knows goes to people who act as

TIMESLEDGER ing a $550-a-plate fund-rais- substance abuse treatment the toll the recession has entrepreneurial and giv- er gala April 18 at Gustavi- to college and job prepara- taken on the organization ing role models to young no’s in Manhattan. tion. The center, which has in the form of cutbacks and people. Laura Schenone, a staff that speaks 35 lan- wants to set a good example The gala begins at 6

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 spokeswoman for the cen- guages collectively, serves for his children, teaching p.m. with a cocktail hour

PR ter, said the gala will help about 17,000 Queens kids them that success means and will include a silent , A raise funds for the at-risk every year. greater responsibility to auction, dinner and an children in Queens the cen- “Our mission today the community. awards ceremony. WEEKLY ter serves, but also enable it is to help at-risk children “It’s a great organiza- Schenone said the cen-

UEENS to grow its operations fur- and youth succeed in life,” tion and I’ve been working ter is committed to expand- Q ther beyond the borough. Schenone said. with them for about three ing in the slow-to-recover “We want to expand The gala, which will be years on the board and I see economy. our reach, but we’re still at 409 E. 59th St. in Manhat- the impact they have on the “Over the next 60 committed to Queens,” tan April 18, will help the community,” Shufro said of years, we hope to be the Schenone said. center fund its programs, the center. strongest possible safety The Child Center’s cen- celebrate the center’s 60th The Impact Award will net for even more children, tral office is at 60-02 Queens anniversary and honor also be given to Roslyn Sav- especially those at high Blvd., but, after beginning three men who have done ings Bank President Jack risk,” Sandra Hagan, the in 1953 as a mental health exceptional work for at-risk Bransfield, who is a part center’s executive director, counseling center, the orga- children. the center’s board and has Award. of many nonprofits. The said in a statement. “We nization now works out of “To be an honoree, The Queens Museum of Art’s Sunday family art program drew honor is given to those who know that our interven- 70 locations throughout the their commitment to the designs for The Child Center of NY’s gala using landmarks from have brought both innova- tions save lives. That’s why borough and a high school community and their com- Manhattan and Queens. Photo courtesy Child Center tion to business and service we are so committed to do- in Brooklyn, offering pro- mitment to the Child Cen- to disadvantaged kids. ing what we do.” grams in early childhood ter of NY is the big thing,” volunteered for several le- Shufro said after re- James Pi, chairman Purchase tickets for education, counseling for Schenone said. gal organizations on behalf ceiving the award, he was of Chinese cruise compa- the gala at childcenterny. individuals and families, Manhattan attorney of children, will be receiv- planning to step up and try ny Victoria Cruises and a org/events-gala2012.html. child abuse prevention and Greg Shufro, who sits on ing the center’s Impact to get more resources for supporter of many philan- A night to remember in Queens on Titanic sinking Astoria historical society marks centennial with author Gary Vollo to recall unthinkable disaster BY TAMMY SCILEPPI headlines after fleeing his tanic museum — shared ed to know: “How come the cruise ship, Costa Concor- intriguing first-hand ac- Titanic went so fast? And As Queens commemo- dia, after it capsized in Tus- counts of survivors they did it really split apart?” To rates the 100th anniver- cany, RMS Titanic’s cap- had met at past Titanic His- which Vollo replied: “The sary of the sinking of RMS tain, Edward John Smith, torical Conventions. warnings went unheeded, Titanic and the events did indeed go down with Vollo recalled his and it did break in half surrounding her fateful his ship, along with 1,500 meeting with Philip Aks, from the pressure on the journey, it’s customary to passengers, who drowned 10 months old at the time of stern.” recount those fascinating, or froze to death in icy wa- the sinking. He was taken “My feeling is if the decades-old tales and anec- ters on April 15, 1912. from his mother’s arms captain had gone straight dotes that are part of this The centennial of Ti- and separated from her. into the iceberg, instead never-ending story. tanic’s sinking was hon- Frantically looking for her of trying to steer away, the In 1898 (14 years be- ored during a standing- son after the rescue ship ship may have not sunk, as fore Titanic), M. Robertson room only event April 2, brought survivors to New only the front would have wrote a prophetic fictitious hosted by the Greater As- The RMS Titanic departs from Southhampton, England. York harbor, his mother been destroyed. But the novel called “Futility,” toria Historical Society in Photo courtesy Greater Astoria Historical Society/Colletti Collection spotted him in the arms of ship hit the iceberg from the about a huge ship hitting Long Island City. Titanic a woman who claimed he side; the berg kept banging an iceberg in the Atlantic enthusiast, author and pho- Meadows, who said she sy. Both disasters seemed was her baby. But the cap- into it, causing five com- Ocean on a cold April night. tographer Gary Vollo, from took two buses and a train to mark the sudden end of tain helped identify a birth- partments to flood,” Vollo The fictitious ship, the Ti- Astoria, shared his theo- to get there. something: a sense of com- mark on “Filly’s” chest, re- explained. Titanic sank tan, was similar in design ries with dozens of attend- Comparing the Titanic placency, of confidence, uniting mother and son. two hours and 40 minutes to the Titanic, and their cir- ees, while showing actual disaster to events on 9/11, innocence and vulnerabil- Vollo’s “Titanic 101 later. cumstances were remark- footage of the ship and its he said, “In both cases, ity.” crash course” drew emo- Although Smith was ably alike — both stories passengers. the unthinkable happened: Guest speakers Vollo tional reactions from folks warned of icebergs seven ended tragically, with the Bob Singleton, the so- Technology ran amok; a and “Titanic Joe” Colletti, inquiring about the disas- times that day, he main- loss of many souls. ciety’s executive director, huge structure failed; peo- who once owned Titanic ter. One woman asked if tained his speed of 22 knots. In stark contrast to addressed curious audi- ple of many nations, gone; House — Colletti’s private the shipping company was Some said he made good the cowardly actions of the ence members, including both events, subjects of in- home in Long Island City ever sued (apparently, it time; others still say he was captain who made recent a Titanic fan from Fresh vestigations and controver- he dedicated space as a Ti- wasn’t). A young boy want- trying to break a record. 11 VISIT OUR BRAND NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART Q UEENS

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New York Mets Opening Day The New York Mets kicked off their season with a game against the Atlanta Braves last Thursday. (Clockwise from top l.) Mets and Braves players take the field during Opening Day; Glen Oaks resident Jackie Kozodoy looks festive in her blue and orange; Billy Garry of Rockville Center is dressed as Bernie Madoff; Annie Neglia shows off her belly painted with a baseball in hopes that her baby would become a Mets fan; Amazins’ third baseman David Wright (r.) hi-fives teammates; Coffe the dog sports sunglasses and a pipe; and Wig Man Louis Vazquez sports a different hair piece for different moods during the game. Photos by Christina Santucci Flushing crooner home after ﬁ nal ‘Idol’ chance 13 Q

BY TAMMY SCILEPPI sang “God Bless America” language arts. of “Idol-dom.” Host Ryan UEENS to a cheering crowd during “Heejun had great Seacrest asked him to “sing

As the first Korean- the seventh inning stretch leadership skills and was for his life.” WEEKLY American to make the fi- at the New York Mets open- a member of the Korean And sing he did. But nals for Season 11 of Fox’s er at Citi Field. In a brief Club,” she said. “He was sadly, this would be Han’s , A PR

“A merican Idol,” 2 2 -year- phone interview prior to one of my best students.” last time in the spotlight. 2012 . 15, • old Flushing resident Hee- performing, he thanked Surprisingly, Han nev- He was eliminated after jun Han’s journey to fame Queens and TimesLedger er joined the chorus, and receiving the fewest votes began with an audition in Newspapers’ readers “for his parents were stunned among the finalists. Pittsburgh back in Janu- supporting me,” adding, when they found out he Waving and smiling, TIMESLEDGER ary, when he belted out “This is not the end of the could sing. Han said his emotional Michael Bolton’s version rope for me — just stay In a final effort to stay goodbyes before leaving the of “How Am I Supposed to tuned.” in the competition at the stage. He said it did not re- . Live Without You?” After getting his Top 8 results show Mar. 29, ally matter that he had not COM Han’s performance chance to sing in front of Han performed the same won — he got the chance to brought judge Jennifer Lo- Tyler and Lopez and being Heejun Han, of Flushing, performs on the show “American Idol” in song, “A Song For You” by sing in front of millions of pez to tears, while judge lusted after by hundreds Los Angeles. AP Photo/FOX, Michael Becker Donny Hathaway, that got people. and Aerosmith frontman of “Idol” hopefuls, Han to the children he used to tivated him to audition for him a standing ovation by Back on March 7, he Steven Tyler remarked, “I advanced to Hollywood to work with at Milal Mission, the show. the judges at the Top 9 show crooned “All in Love Is think you’re really great — compete among the final- a Korean missionary school Seeking a better life, the night before, when Fair” by Stevie Wonder, you could be the American ists. In an introductory in Flushing for those with Han immigrated with his Randy Jackson remarked, causing Lopez to swoon and Idol.” interview on americani- special needs, that if you parents from South Korea “Finally, the Heejun we say, “I loved you from the Although he was ulti- dol.com he told his fans, “I really want something and to Queens when he was 12, selected came back to us first time you sang for me mately eliminated from the couldn’t believe it — I had if you believe in it, you can and in 2005 attended Fran- tonight.” and I still love you now.” competition March 30, he to pinch myself,” adding, “I become someone. cis Lewis High School in Lopez added, “That Han told his fans he was still able to catch the think I’m the next Ameri- Han said he used to Fresh Meadows, graduat- was the most beautiful left the show on a high note, national spotlight. He even can Idol because I’m a very suffer from emotional de- ing in 2007. tone, the most beautiful vi- adding, “First thing I’m got to take center stage at hot singer.” pression and credited the His teacher , Sook Hee brato.” gonna do when I get home one of the borough’s main Han said he was in- youngsters for helping him Son, who has been with So that night Han is eat lots and lots of Kore- attractions. spired to do the show be- recover from his illness. Francis Lewis for 21 years, was given one last chance an food.” Last Thursday, Han cause he wanted to prove He has also said they mo- said she taught him Korean to prove himself worthy

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Mark Schwartz, MD, FACS, RPVI www.NorthShoreVein.com Board Certified in Vascular Surgery 1 Hollow Lane | Suite 210 | Lake Success, NY 11042 14 Landlord admits misdeeds Senior center faces COM . Yury Baumblit illegally evicted resident from Jamaica housing shutdown after cuts

TIMESLEDGER BY RICH BOCKMANN BY RICH BOCKMANN the city Department of Mental Health and Hygiene Valerie Williamson After lawmakers set told her the center’s fund- smiled when she read the aside $2 million to build a ing would be eliminated,

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 agreement her landlord had new home for a Jamaica effective June 30, due to

PR just signed in Queens Hous- program that provides ser- budget cuts. , A ing Court acknowledging vices to adults with spe- “We were shocked,” he had illegally evicted her cial needs, the city told the she said. “We didn’t know WEEKLY from his Jamaica boarding Friendship Center it would this was coming.”

UEENS house. eliminate its funding next Collier said the com- Q “I’m satisfied because I fiscal year — a move the munity stepped forward proved my point,” she said. center said will force the to fill a funding hole when “I’ve seen him do that to a operation to end after more the city slashed the center’s lot of people.” than 30 years in the neigh- budget in half last year, and Williamson’s point, borhood. that the center was in the and the one that her law- “This is devastating to process of finalizing plans yers argue, is that residents our center, our staff and the for a new facility to be built of the so-called three-quar- community,” said Beverly with $2 million provided by ter houses Yury Baumblit Collier, executive direc- borough, city and state law- operates, including the one tor of the Jamaica Service makers. at 144-01 Lakewood Ave., Program for Older Adults, “Last year there was a are his tenants’ and their which operates the Friend- lot of community support, rights as such need to be ac- ship Center at 92-33 170th so why is the city saying knowledged. St. “There’s no one else like they’re going to close it Three-quarter houses, us in southeast Queens.” again?” she asked. unlike halfway houses, are Since 1979, the Friend- Collier said that with- not licensed to provide re- Valerie Williamson (r.) discusses her case with attorney Tanya Kessler outside Queens Civil Court. ship Center has been serv- out the DOMHH funding, habilitative services to res- Photo by Rich Bockmann ing adults over the age of 60 the center will still be able idents. But Bamblit’s crit- who suffer from Alzheim- to operate as a senior cen- ics say he sees those living store in Manhattan when programs their residents referrals. er’s disease, dementia and ter serving able adults, but in his buildings as clients her employer discovered attend, and once they can As a member of the schizophrenia as well as the Friendship Center as in his unlicensed transi- her criminal record. no longer collect the pub- Council Committee on Gen- a host of other mental and the community knows it tional-housing program — Unemployed and home- lic-assistance checks, they eral Welfare, Wills said he physical disabilities. now will cease to be. clients he can “discharge” less, she went to a hospital discharge — or as Housing was working on legislation The center provides “What’s most impor- for, among other reasons, in the Bronx, where she Court Judge Ulysses Lever- to increase oversight on transportation to the el- tant is that this is a very violating the house rules he said Baumblit promised ett saw it — illegally evict three-quarter houses. derly from as far as the vulnerable population,” requires them agree to. her a bed in an apartment the tenants. “I’m getting a little Queens-Nassau county bor- she said. “If the center clos- Tanya Kessler, an at- with four women, and after Leverett signed the tired of these undesirable der and Far Rockaway and es down, the participants torney with MFY Legal 90 days of completing his agreement in which Baum- houses being placed in our gives them two full meals won’t have a place to go.” Services, represents Wil- program he would help her blit said Williamson would community,” he said. as well as services from an liamson both in Housing find permanent housing. be allowed back in his “Three quarter houses art therapist, social worker Reach reporter Rich Court and as a plaintiff Williamson said when building and admitted that have a history of treating and case manager. Bockmann by e-mail at in a class-action lawsuit she arrived she was shocked he had, in fact, illegally [residents] not as tenants Collier said she was [email protected] against Baumblit, claiming to find more than 10 women evicted her. and evicting them without blindsided last week when or by phone at 718-260-4574. he makes false promises to sleeping in bunks in the The City Council has taking them to housing help some of society’s most second-story apartment acknowledged both the court,” he said. “The issues vulnerable get back on and attic as well as mold, need for appropriate transi- go a lot deeper than this their feet, only to kick them infestation and inadequate tional housing and the per- particular three-quarter back out on the street once heat. ils present at unregulated house.” he can no longer cash their “It’s a shack, but at the three-quarter houses. Williamson said her public assistance checks. moment it’s all I can get,” In 2010, the Council illegal eviction was the re- Williamson said she she explained. and the city Department sult of her participation in became homeless after her The city Human Re- of Homeless Services initi- the lawsuit, but said it will father died and she had to sources Administration ated a program that pre- not deter her. leave his Jersey City apart- pays Williamson’s rent, vented the city from refer- “Everyone asks me ment. and the state Office of Al- ring adults from homeless why I do it,” she said. The 44-year-old moth- coholism and Substance shelters to housing deemed “[Baumblit’s practices are] er of six admitted that her Abuse Services pays for unsafe or inappropriate by not right, and I know my checkered past, which in- her participation in a drug- other city departments. rights. I’m not going to be cludes marijuana use and treatment program she at- Councilman Ruben intimidated.” convictions for trespass- tends in Coney Island five Wills’ (D-Jamaica) dis- ing and loitering, have led days a week. trict includes the house on Reach reporter Rich to her troubles. She said Kessler’s suit claims Lakewood Avenue, and he Bockmann by e-mail at she was fired in November many three-quarter house said minority communities [email protected] from her job as a cashier at operators get kickbacks such as his often receive an or by phone at 718-260-4574. Seniors, staff members and supporters protest outside the the Century 21 department from the substance-abuse unfair proportion of DHS Friendship Center in 2011. 15 Q UEENS

WEEKLY , A PR . 15, 2012 2012 . 15, • TIMESLEDGER . COM 16 Junior athletes march in area’s Little League kickoff COM . Ballplayers from Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth look forward to new season

BY REBECCA HENELY St. Louis Cardinals. Rodney O’Tero, another

TIMESLEDGER Semina Veloic, 6, said she Glendale resident, blew an air Thousands of pint-sized ath- would enjoy playing with the Lit- horn as the young athletes passed letes and their proud parents and tle League’s Mets this year, her by his house. coaches marched through Glen- first year playing baseball. “This is great. I love this,”

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 dale Saturday morning in antici- “It’s fun to play,” she said. O’Tero said. “My kids grew up

PR pation of another year of baseball The older kids wore shirts in playing in this Little League.” , A with the Ridgewood-Glendale- many colors with an image on the At the end of the parade, the Middle Village-Maspeth Little front marking the Little League’s young athletes were treated to hot WEEKLY League opening parade. 60th anniversary and their team dogs and Powerade.

UEENS “It was a long walk, but it was sponsors on the back. Some spon- Antonio Pazimo, 12, said he Q fun,” said 11-year-old Brady Paz- sors included Rosario Construc- was glad to see his old teammates kowski, of the nearly 2-mile-long tion, Unlimited Mechanical and again and to get ready to play a procession. “Everyone’s laughing Glendale Bagels, whose team new season of baseball. and talking to each other.” chanted “Let’s go bagels!” as they “It’s always been my favorite Students from Franklin K. marched through Glendale. sport,” Antonio said. “It’s been Lane High School on the Queens/ “I enjoyed it a lot,” said Jo- part of my family for many gen- Brooklyn border led the parade seph DeMartini, 12. “It was pretty erations.” with a drumline and honor guard. fun.” Liotta said he was looking The baseball players followed the While they were outnum- for good results on the field. music down Myrtle Avenue from bered by the marchers, adults “I think the season will be 65th Street to Cooper Avenue, who watched the parade from a lot of fun,” he said. “Kids will down Cooper Avenue to 78th Av- Players march in the street in Glendale during the annual Ridgewood-Glendale- their windows or porches or the learn a lot.” enue and down 78th Avenue to Middle Village-Maspeth Little League Parade. Photo by Christina Santucci street outside also took pride in Seither Stadium. the morning’s event. Reach reporter Rebecca Hene- “The parade was excellent, a are excited.” same names as Major League “I think it’s really outstand- ly by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal. good way to kick off the season,” The younger children were Baseball teams like the New York ing,” said Glendale resident John com or by phone at 718-260-4564. said Coach John Liotta. “The kids decked out in T-shirts with the Mets, San Francisco Giants and Noble. “It’s beautiful.”

124-19 101st Avenue, Richmond Hill & 61-88 Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village College Pt. ﬁ rm ﬁ ned 17 Q UEENS

$1M in low wage scam WEEKLY , A PR

BY JOE ANUTA es they were entitled to. years, the money will re- 2012 . 15, • As part of the settle- vert to the city’s general A College Point busi- ment, Mascon pleaded fund, according to Liu. ness that cheated a group guilty in Manhattan Crim- A bricklayer from of workers out of more than inal Court to falsifying its Mexico who would only TIMESLEDGER $1 million was ordered to records, which is a felony. give his name as Renato pay up and is barred from The company and Zulfiqar said his bosses told him not bidding on contracts in the himself are also banned to speak with inspectors . Big Apple for five years, the from bidding on or receiv- from the city. COM city comptroller said last ing any public projects un- After running into one week. til 2017. of the inspectors by chance, Mascon Restoration Zulfiqar did not re- Renato decided to come for- Inc., a construction firm spond to a request to com- ward and speak publicly that was working on behalf ment. about the abuse by Mascon, of several city agencies in Liu has had trouble lo- but he is one of few. 2007, not only failed to pro- cating the workers whose Although workers on vide its workers with the wages were illegally gar- city-funded projects are en- prevailing wages required nished, because many fear titled to prevailing wages under any public works that by approaching the regardless of their immi- contract, but told a group government as an illegal gration status — inspec- of largely undocumented immigrant, they may face tors from Liu’s office are workers that inspectors deportation. not even allowed to ask. from the city were also im- To arrive at the $1.2 Liu and City Councilman migration agents, accord- million price tag, inspec- Danny Dromm (D-Jackson ing to city Comptroller tors from Liu’s office pored Heights) hope others will John Liu. over paperwork from four follow Renato and claim “This settlement helps job sites in Manhattan their unpaid wages. to right the wrongs suf- where Mascon took ad- “This sends a clear fered by these hardworking vantage of its workers, Liu message to communities The Center for Allergy, Asthma & Immunology people, and strong message said. such as mine that wage that contractors working on Three of the workers theft will not be tolerated,” GADI AVSHALOMOV, M.D. city projects must pay pre- have already come forward Dromm said. Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology vailing wages as required and will split $288,000 of Dromm is the chair- under law,” Liu said at an the money, which leaves man of the Council Immi- Do allergy symptoms keep you April 4 news conference. about $788,000 unclaimed, gration Committee and rep- from doing what you want to do? The company, head- according to Constantine resents the heavily Latino quartered at 129-06 18th Kokkoris, of the comptrol- neighborhoods of Corona Ave. and headed by Muham- ler’s Bureau of Labor Law. and Jackson Heights. Do You Suffer From mad Zulfiqar, underpaid The total $1.2 million also He said that in addi- a group of what the comp- included a civil penalty of tion to prevailing wage, Asthma: A disorder affecting the airways of Allergies: An allergy is an overreaction of troller’s office estimated $107,120 that will go to the immigrant workers of any the lungs. People with asthma your body’s immune system to at about 10 to 20 people, city and, if the remaining status are also entitled to have Allergic airways that cause substances that usually cause in some cases only giving workers do not claim their the same workplace rights Wheezing and cough in response no reaction in most individuals. them half of the daily wag- share of the pot within six as any other person. to certain “triggers”, leading to difficulty in breathing. The Reactions can be hives, con- airway narrowing is caused gestion, sneezing, coughing, by inflammation and swell- sore throat, headache, and ing of the airway lining, the itchy runny eyes and nose. tightening of the airway mus- Allergy symptoms are trig- cles, and the production of gered by pollen, molds, dust excess mucus. This results in mites, cockroach and animal a reduced airflow in and out of dander. For people allergic the lungs. You may be waking to these common substances, up at night coughing or wheezing symptoms can be quite bother- after exertion. Why suffer; today’s some. And treatment can result in treatments may permit you to breath dramatic improvement. and live much better. Specializing In Identiﬁcation & Treatment Of Hay Fever & Seasonal Allergies • Pet & Food Allergies Sinus Conditions & Asthma • Environmental Allergies Mold Spores & Dust Mites City Comptroller John Liu (second from l.), surrounded by a bevy of elected officials and advocates, explains his office’s exposé of a College Point construction firm that did not pay its workers prevail- .ORTHERN"LVDs'REAT.ECK .9 ing wages on city projects. 516-726-1771 18

COM

. Building boom recasts LIC Neighborhood sheds industrial past as new culture transforms waterfront TIMESLEDGER

BY REBECCA HENELY

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 Before Michael Bloomberg

PR became mayor, he visited Queens , A in 2001 and told residents that he wanted to see skyscrapers WEEKLY in Long Island City. Ten years

UEENS later, he held a news conference Q on anti-smoking measures at the city Department of Health’s new home, the latest skyscraper in the neighborhood. Even before the glass and steel structure at 2 Gotham Cen- ter was complete, the neighborhood’s elected officials and leaders praised the city for moving the government agency from Manhattan to Long Island City. With the opening of the new corporate home of JetBlue Air- ways last week, the officials con- tinue to paint the same portrait of the neighborhood: hot, growing and a far cry from its past as a manufacturing-industrial area and haven for prostitution. “You’re so close to the water. You’re one stop away from Man- hattan. There’s great restaurants in the area. The [108th] precinct In Queens West, condominiums stand tall behind Gantry Plaza State Park. Photo by Christina Santucci has the lowest crime rate of any- where in New York City,” said Joseph Conley, chairman of Com- munity Board 2, “so it’s just a great place to live and work.” It is rare to listen to a dis- cussion about development, commerce or culture in Queens and not hear the neighborhood’s name come up. Yet the tourist or new- comer to the borough may find it hard to determine its borders. Natives usually call it the area between the East River, Van Dam Street, Queens Plaza and the Brooklyn border, but older maps place its northern border as high as Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, and addresses in Astoria or Sun- The CitiBank Building and 2 Gotham Center (photo above l.) have brought skyscrapers to Long Island City’s skyline. Hunters Point South, (rendering above) which is under nyside can be listed under “Long construction along the waterfront, is one of the most closely watched developments in Long Island City. Photo by Christina Santucci/Rendering courtesy Mayor’s Office Island City.” public housing complexes. industrial building on Jackson that sales for the corporation’s hood has taken root in what was Besides the name, which may “Each person has their defi- Avenue turned graffiti art space. condominium building The View, once abandoned industrial prop- make the neophyte believe it is on nition of the neighborhood,” Con- But in recent years it has at Center Boulevard and 47th Ave- erty along the waterfront.” eastern Long Island, Long Island ley said. become a hotspot for residen- nue, were slow when the building Yet the most exciting resi- City is usually said to encompass tial development. The website opened in 2009 in the heart of the dential development in the area multiple sub-neighborhoods: HUNTERS POINT queenswest.com lists nearly 45 recession, but by November 2011 remains Hunters Point South, a Hunters Point between Queens Whatever the borders, it is different condominium complex- 75 percent of the building’s 183 project of the city Economic De- Plaza and Jackson Avenue; Dutch usually the Hunters Point sec- es and, despite a nationwide hous- units were sold. velopment Corp. This massive Kills between 36th Avenue, tion that gets the most attention. ing slump, interest for the new “The last 10 years have mixed-use development will in- Northern Boulevard, Queens Hunters Point always had its units remain high. brought an amazing transforma- clude 5,000 dwelling units — both Plaza and 21st Street; Blissville landmarks in the towering Citi Paul Januszewski, former tion to Long Island City,” he said. affordable and market-rate hous- near Calvary Cemetery; and the Building, the contemporary art president of the Queens West De- “Specifically in the Hunters Point ing — a 1,100-seat intermediate Queensbridge and Ravenswood haven MoMA PS1 and 5Pointz, an velopment Corp., said in an e-mail area, a new residential neighbor- school and high school, 11 acres of waterfront, 100,000 square 19 feet of retail space and a li- What LIC brary. “I think as the buildings are built out, it’s going hopes to see Q to bring value to the com- UEENS munity,” Conley said at a meeting about the project in the future WEEKLY in January. The community has • Technion-Cornell , A PR

also seen a rebirth in park Innovation Institute — 2012 . 15, • space, from the revamped Before Cornell University dog run on Vernon Boule- and the Technion Institute vard and 48th Avenue to an of Technology won the city ongoing project at Queens Economic Development TIMESLEDGER Plaza, the first phase of Corp.’s contest to build a which has produced a new higher education tech cam- park called Dutch Kills pus in the city, Long Island . Green, trees and bike lanes City legislators and busi- COM where there was once a ness leaders lobbied suc- commuter parking lot. The cessfully for Roosevelt Is- multimillion-dollar park is land to become the chosen also the permanent resting site. A subway stop away, home of the millstones, the the school is expected to oldest artifacts in Queens. bring economic develop- “I hope one day they’re ment to western Queens. called the jewels of Queens Plaza,” said Jerry Walsh, • Hunters Point president of the Dutch Kills South — Potential resi- Civic Association. dents may have their eyes on the middle-income hous- HISTORY ing that will be part of this The current state of mixed-use development un- Queens Plaza is a drastic der construction along 50th change from a decade ago. Avenue and 2nd Street, but Walsh said that in the past the community is also look- prostitution and organized ing forward to the 11 acres crime had a large pres- of waterfront, the 1,100-seat ence in the area, but now IS/HS 404 and the library, the crime rate has dropped the plans of which won a dramatically. Walsh, a Public Design Commission longtime resident of Dutch JetBlue moves to Queens Plaza Award last year. Kills, credited the work of the 108th and 114th pre- • The future of cincts, which cover the 5Pointz — Is this former south and north sides of the Airline brings 1,000 jobs to ofﬁ ces as Dutch Kills Green unveiled factory on Jackson Avenue plaza, former City Council- BY REBECCA HENELY and Davis Street a mecca man William McCaffrey for “aerosol artists” or a and Queens District Attor- Two long-awaited graffiti-ridden eyesore? ney Richard Brown. changes came to Queens Developer Jerry Wolkoff “You can walk the Plaza last week as the re- said he plans to build con- neighborhood today,” he cently completed park near dominiums in the space, said. “The safety’s there. 29th Street was named leaving just a wall for spray It’s not like 10 years ago. “Dutch Kills Green” and painters, but concrete plans You were scared.” airline company JetBlue have not yet surfaced. Lov- While the Q100 bus to opened its new Long Island ers and haters wonder what and from Rikers Island still City office a few blocks will happen next. drops off former inmates away. in Queens Plaza, the neigh- “What a terrific day • The return of M. borhood is now more often in the ongoing renaissance Wells — This Quebecois- associated with hotels than in the Queensboro Plaza style diner, pioneered by crime. area,” state Sen. Michael Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (l.-r.), U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, JetBlue husband and wife team On a recent visit to Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. CEO Dave Barger, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Borough President Helen Marshall and state Sen. Hugue Dufor and Sarah Long Island City, Bloomberg Mayor Michael Michael Gianaris cut the ribbon on JetBlue’s new corporate office in Long Island City. Obratis, became a foodie said in a time of booming Bloomberg joined with oth- Photo by Christina Santucci favorite when it opened in tourism, the neighborhood er elected officials and Jet- June 2010 but was forced to has 17 hotels with five more Blue representatives April was created as part of a $45 a panel of city and commu- 29th Street. The millstones, close when the couple could to come. 4 to unveil the park’s name million renovation, which nity representatives chose the oldest artifacts in the not reach an agreement Walsh said most of the sign and cut the ribbon on began in August 2009, of it out of 600 submissions to borough, have also been with their landlord. Dufor new hotels have been good the corporate office. the Queens Plaza area. the city Economic Develop- mounted and are on display and Obratis now take their neighbors as well as very Dutch Kills Green, Harry Charalambides ment Corp. in Dutch Kills Green. twists on popular Ameri- busy. once the JFK Commuter and James Stark came The park has green “Parks are one of can favorites to food fes- “Dutch Kills is known Lot, is at the intersection of up with the name, which space with grasses, trees the things that differenti- tivals, but many wonder all over the world,” Walsh Queens Plaza and Northern refers to the nearby com- and shrubs; benches; and a ate cement from cities,” when they will have their Continued on Page 20 and Queens boulevards. It munity of Dutch Kills, and paved pathway that ends at Continued on Page 20 own place again. 2 COM .

TIMESLEDGER OlnejcEoDana FOURFOUR SSTEPTEP FOUR STEP . 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012

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TIMESLEDGER tially denounced Gottlieb’s verstein, but a spokesman ing Lancman’s accusations the pole, although it is still ed deep down into the cem- any conflicts in the future. campaign, the Queens from Meng’s campaign said in a mass-distributed state- Democrats were quick to it was not a serious chat. ment. respond to the accusations. “As for the conversa- “I am saddened that side by side with warehous- routes, the neighborhood

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 “Rory lied. He has no tion that did happen, if Mi- Assemblyman Lancman LIC boom es and taxi depots. Resi- is flush with public trans- PR proof,” said Queens County chael Nussbaum had casu- has decided to issue vi- dents in apartments next to portation, but a constant , A Democratic Organization ally suggested mayor being cious political attacks upon Continued from Page 19 the Long Island Rail Road worry among Long Island Executive Secretary Mi- an easier campaign for Mr. lear ning of my candidacy. Is at 2nd Street and Borden City’s elected officials is WEEKLY chael Reich. “I have not Silverstein - a prominent Rory really that afraid that said. “We have people walk- Avenue have complained whether the infrastructure

UEENS spoken to Jeff Gottlieb. I LGBT community activist his record on issues will ing these streets from Swit- about the noise of the trains will be able to keep up with Q don’t think I’ve had a con- with an ethnic last name- be challenged here in the zerland, Australia.” idling nearby . the exploding population. versation or seen him since than the local race he was community? I think so and Yet when hotels eager Parking is also a well- The Metropolitan sometime last year.” considering, would Assem- his actions clearly show his to benefit from the short known nightmare in the Transportation Author- Any candidate can get blyman Lancman be alleg- fear,” Gottlieb said. subway ride to Manhattan community. Those who do ity had shut down the No. on the ticket if he or she ing a conspiracy to siphon But Lancman called began putting up large not take the subways or 7 train in Long Island City gathers enough signatures, votes from Scott Stringer for the resignation of multi-story structures be- buses can expect to circle on weekends from January Reich said. or Christine Quinn?” said Nussbaum, who not only tween one- and two-family blocks multiple times if to April to modernize the At a news conference Michael Tobman, Meng’s runs the political consult- homes in Dutch Kills, the they arrive at the wrong signal system, in large part Monday, Lancman went campaign spokesman, in ing company Multi-Media community voted to pass a time of day. Tishman because high demand for further and specifically im- an e-mail. “The Lancman hired by Meng, but is also rezoning in 2008 limiting Speyer, the developers of the train makes the delays plicated Meng’s campaign, campaign’s selective out- a publisher of the Queens the height at which com- Gotham Center, were at catastrophic. saying he had proof that a rage is itself outrageous, Tribune. mercial properties can one point supposed to re- Yet despite all these is- high-ranking member had as just a few weeks ago he build. Even now residents place 1,100 parking spots in sues, optimism remains. approached Democratic was hoping for the Queens have clashed with individ- the neighborhood, but went “This is still a new ual hoteliers over building back to CB 2 and approved a community, so it will take practices. request to reduce the num- some time to grow, mature described the perpetrator women in Jackson Heights ber to 500. and evolve as a neighbor- as Hispanic, about 5-foot-9 in late March and early TRANSPORTATION “I don’t think this ad- hood,” Januszewski said, Groper and about 190 pounds. April. Police described the Walking the streets of ministration wants us to “but it has already come Continued from Page 1 In response to the at- Hispanic man as about 17 to Long Island City can have own a car,” Walsh said. a long way in a very short tack, Quinn, Novak, Coun- 25 years old and standing a schizophrenic feel. Steel With eight subway time.” cries from outside his win- cilman Jimmy Van Bramer about 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-8. and glass skyscrapers sit lines and several bus dow. (D-Sunnyside) and other Quinn said no matter “She was screaming, officials went to the nearby where the crime occurs, ‘Help! Get off me! Stop! station to pass out fliers sexual assaults will be pun- housed there. Connecticut to Long Island Stop!’” Novak said. alerting the community to ished. JetBlue had been head- City. Thinking the woman the attack. The same group “They’re not frivo- JetBlue quartered in Forest Hills U.S. Sen. Charles was his wife in trouble, had done this in October lous. They’re not funny,” Continued from Page 19 and the new location will Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he Novak ran out and saw the after a pervert riding a bi- she said. “We are not going consolidate both JetBlue’s helped JetBlue get off the perpetrator on top of the cycle groped five women to return to a time in New Bloomberg said. offices there and those in ground and into New York’s woman in the bushes. The and a 12-year-old girl in the York City when women After a short ceremo- Connecticut. airways. The senator had man ran away when Novak community. and girls cannot walk the ny honoring the new public “We are a New York- campaigned in 1998 on the saw him. Novak tried to “We have a zero-tol- street.” space, the elected officials based company,” said Jet- issue of bringing cheap chase him, but was unable erance policy for violence The councilman joined the higher-ups at Blue Chief Executive Of- flights from the city to up- to overtake him since he against women and this praised Novak for helping JetBlue’s new headquar- ficer Dave Barger, about state New York. JetBlue was not wearing shoes. will not stand,” Van Bram- the victim and said 108th ters, at 27-01 Queens Plaza why the airline moved would-be founder David “I was just outraged er said. Precinct Capt. Donald Pow- N., which is historically within the city. “This is our Neeleman approached the that this was happening The Sunnyside as- ers has increased uniform known as the Brewster home.” senator after he was elect- outside my window,” No- sault happened a few days and undercover patrols. Building, in honor of the Bloomberg said the ed, requesting slots at John vak said. after the NYPD said a man Brewster car and aviation new office will bring 1,000 F. Kennedy International A police spokesman had groped four Hispanic company that was once jobs from Forest Hills and Airport.

there’s someone in front of after it is issued. Gennaro his Fresh Meadows office, the city,” Friedman said. it in February. The Council Meters you at the Muni-Meter ter- said the measure would at 185-10 Union Tnpk. “When drivers are unfairly overrode the veto by a 47-2 minal, you shouldn’t be pe- save drivers the trouble of Queens Chamber of ticketed for parking on the vote last month, allowing Continued from Page 1 nalized as if you were try- having to slog through the Commerce Executive Di- street, small businesses the law to take effect Sept. at a metered spot and you ing to cheat the system.” appealing process. rector Jack Friedman said suffer, too. The shoppers 24. Gennaro said it would walk to the Muni-Meter to The law, which Genna- “This absolutely had to it was a long time coming effectively blame the mer- take about $270,000 and 180 pay for it, you’re playing by ro sponsored, requires that happen,” Gennaro said. for Queens shoppers and chant — they don’t come days for the city to repro- the rules,” Gennaro said. tickets be terminated when Business owners and merchants. back.” gram its hand-held digital “And if there’s a parking a resident shows a valid re- area leaders joined the “This law is great news The Council passed the parking scanners to cancel agent close by or you’re el- ceipt to the ticketing officer councilman Monday at a for small business owners bill in January, but Mayor violations on the spot. derly and walk slowly or no later than five minutes news conference outside in Queens and throughout Michael Bloomberg vetoed 21 Q UEENS

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No Prior Purchases - With Ad Only - Expires 4-14-2012 All Karako Suits Locations Will Be Closed Sunday, April 8th Hospital wins culinary prize Turner gives medal 3 Q to son of Queens vet UEENS Forest Hills chefs take ﬁ rst-place in North Shore-LIJ cook-off WEEKLY

BY STEVE MOSCO BY STEVE MOSCO fice. , A PR

Carl said articulating 2012 . 15, • Hospital food usually The Greatest Genera- to his family the pride he gets a bad rap, but chefs tion deserves the greatest of feels for this father’s service from 11 North Shore-LIJ honors — even if the battles is difficult, but now having hospitals set out to change they fought were more than the medals gives the family TIMESLEDGER that perception by compet- a half-century ago. something tangible to point ing in the health system’s U.S. Rep. Bob Turner out and admire. first-ever cooking chal- (R-Middle Village) posthu- “I wanted them to . lenge — and Forest Hills mously honored World War show my children and COM Hospital prepared a first- II veteran Joseph Carl Sr. by grandchildren what my fa- place gourmet meal. presenting his son, Howard ther had done for them,” he Winning Chefs Gary Beach resident Joseph Carl said. “They are very impor- DeFreitas and Dale Lyons, Jr., with a series of medals tant for myself and for my from Forest Hills Hospital, and commendations for his brother. We are very proud said they are used to pre- service. of what our father did and paring meals for 600 to 700 “Joseph Carl Sr. is a what he accomplished.” patients each day, so the prime example of a man Turner, a member pressure of the culinary who put his life on the line of the House Committee competition did not have to defend our country and on Veterans’ Affairs, is a them boiling over. its allies at a time of great veteran himself. Carl Sr. “This event gave us the need for our nation,” Turner served as a private first- opportunity to show what said at his district office in class with the Headquar- we are capable of doing in Middle Village April 3. “As ters and Service Co. 1897th the kitchen,” said Lyons. the vast number and range Engineer Battalion in the “It’s a dream come true.” of these medals prove, he Pacific Theater during the His chef-partner De- served with great valor on war. Freitas said it was a “great a consistent basis.” “Our veterans deserve honor” to receive first prize Turner presented the all the recognition in the in the competition, but the World War II vet’s son with world for their hard work appreciation from the pa- the Good Conduct Medal, and sacrifice,” Turner tients he serves every day Asiatic-Pacific Campaign said. “Without them, we is what he truly loves about Medal, Honorable Service wouldn’t be able to enjoy his job. Lapel Button, World War II the freedoms we do today. “Love is the most im- Victory Medal, Philippine It is up to us to educate fu- portant ingredient in cook- Liberation Ribbon, Marks- ture generations about the ing,” he pointed out. “And it man Qualification Badge, sacrifices those that came should always come out in Army of Occupation Medal before them made on their the dish.” with Japan Clasp and the behalf. The families of our Three chef judges Meritorious Unit Commen- veterans are just as deserv- awarded Forest Hills Hos- dation on behalf of a grate- ing of being able to share pital’s chefs with the top ful nation at a presentation in the pride of their loved prize for their original ceremony at the congress- ones’ accomplishments and dish of stuffed pork tender- Dale Lyons chops an onion for the winning dish — stuffed pork tenderloin with cranberry wild rice, man’s Queens district of- service.” loin with cranberry wild while Gary DeFreitas consults with registered dietitian Malgorazata Rokoszak, of Staten Island rice. Lenox Hill Hospital University Hospital. Photo Courtesy North Shore-LIJ received second place and Plainview Hospital came in hattan and Staten Island registered dietitian from a pital fare. The cook-off also third. squaring off at Glen Cove North Shore-LIJ hospital to happened to coincide with The judges included Hospital’s Pratt Auditorium ensure that each dish con- National Nutrition Month, Mike Miello, executive March 29. Officials trans- tained equal or less than providing a healthy back- chef for U.S. Foods, a food formed the auditorium into 500 calories, 15 grams of drop to the competition. service distributor; Scott a giant kitchen equipped fat and 600 milligrams of “Our patients often Leggett, corporate chef for with everything the top sodium. Teams were also compare hospital food to U.S. Foods; and Deborah chefs needed to design their given a “surprise protein” restaurants and this event Lanzidelle, a registered di- culinary creations. — such as halibut, shrimp, showcases that hospital etitian. All entrees and side Cooking challenge chicken and pork tender- chefs can prepare appeal- dishes prepared during the contestants sought to loin — which they used as ing food that tastes really competition were rated by prove that hospital chefs centerpieces to their gas- good and is nutritious,” he the judges for taste, nutri- can serve up gourmet, res- tronomic offerings. said. tion, originality and pre- taurant-quality meals, but Michael Kiley, director sentation. without the fat, calories or of nutrition and food ser- Reach reporter Steve The Ultimate Chef sodium usually associated vices at Glen Cove Hospital, Mosco by e-mail at smosco@ U.S. Rep. Bob Turner (r.) presented the Good Conduct Medal to Healthy Entree Chal- with succulent flavors. organized the cook-off after cnglocal.com or by phone at Joseph Carl Jr. (l.) along with seven other medals to honor his late lenge featured teams from Each hospital culinary hearing many patients rave 718-260-4546. father’s military service. Carl’s son Steven (c.) joined the presen- Queens, Long Island, Man- team was paired with a about improvements to hos- tation. Photo courtesy Turner 4 Head-chef-turned-owner offers soul food in St. Albans COM . New restaurant Maxine’s replaces Boulevard Fish & Chips with a healthy twist on Southern cuisine

saluted her for providing Shrimp is offered fried mer boss and then I took

TIMESLEDGER BY RICH BOCKMANN the community with busi- and steamed, and custom- over,” said the councilman, ness and healthy food opers can choose from sides who used to be chief of staff After 16 years, her tions. like macaroni and cheese, to A rchie Spi g ner. “We don’t name is finally out front. “I’m excited for Max- collard greens and brown have a lot of restaurants in

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 Maxine McBride spent ine,” he said. “She has new rice. the community. I try to help

PR more than a decade as the ideas and a new menu with Special dishes include all of our local businesses , A head chef of Boulevard Fish more diverse choices that salmon with a side of whole expand and grow. I hope & Chips in St. Albans, and reflect the changing com- grain pasta in garlic olive they do well and a lot of cus- WEEKLY when the previous owners munity.” oil and fresh herbs. tomers come.”

UEENS of 40 years decided to throw Maxine’s offers South- Shemeka Haedee, a Comrie then went in- Q in the towel late last year, ern soul-food versions of 26-year-old North Carolina side to try the barbecue she saw it as an opportu- fish, shrimp and chicken native, said Maxine’s offers pork ribs, which he said he nity. with a variety of sides, authentic alternatives to had never had before. After renovating the and she is eager to inform chains like Popeye’s. Maxine’s on the Bou- space, at 113-33 Farmers customers that they can “I’m from the South, levard is open Monday Blvd. and revamping the choose to have their food so having this is a great op- through Wednesday from menu, McBride opened either fried or baked. tion,” she said. “The fish, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday Maxine’s on the Boulevard “For me, if you make fried, or the fried chicken through Saturday from 11 a few weeks ago and has a request I try to fulfill it,” Cashier Arlene Burton (l.-r.), City Councilman Leroy Comrie and pa- are my favorites.” a.m. to 11 p.m. and from earned the praise of some she said, noting it takes tron Ann Thomas help Maxine McBride cut the ribbon on her res- She said the addition noon until 10 p.m. Sundays. die-hard fans for her ef- about 10 minutes to fry a taurant. Photo by Rich Bockmann of a seating area makes the For more information, call forts. meal, while baking takes restaurant a more appeal- 718-465-9812. City Councilman Le- about 30 minutes. “If that’s items because she has a tilapia, flounder and cating place. roy Comrie (D-St. Albans), what you want, I’ll do it, as lot of older customers with fish sandwiches for about Comrie said he was Reach reporter Rich whose office is just a few long as you’re willing to conditions such as diabetes $6 to $7, and larger orders happy to see a former em- Bockmann by e-mail at doors down from Maxine’s, wait.” who could benefit from bet- can reach up to about $30, ployee take the reins of a [email protected] help her cut the ribbon on McBride said she deter food choices. the number of pieces de- local business. or by phone at 718-260-4574. the restaurant Friday and cided to offer healthy menu She offers whiting, pending on the type of fish. “I worked for my for-

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in city on health survey ATTENTION QUEENS! WEEKLY ★★★ , A PR . 15, 2012 2012 . 15, • BY PHILIP NEWMAN the Queens is New York City’s healthiest county, Save Tax TIMESLEDGER according to an annual survey of the nation’s more ★★★★ than 3,000 counties. Sales Event . The County Health COM Rankings for 2012 by the YOU SAVE THE EQUIVALENT OF YOUR SALES TAX* Robert Wood Johnson Foun- In addition to sale price you will receive discount equal to the sales tax. Valid on purchases of $500 or more. Excludes prior purchases, hot buys and clearance items. dation and the University of Wisconsin listed Queens as No. 16 among New York state’s 62 counties. Manhattan came in at No. 19, Staten Island No. 22, Brooklyn No. 54 and the Bronx No. 62. Putnam County, just to the north of Westchester SAVE County, was rated the Queens has the smallest number of adult smokers in the $ healthiest county in the city at 14% of the population, according to a new report. 300 DEMI Designer Sofa state. Nassau County was AP Photo/Gerry Broome $ 99 No. 6 and Suffolk County 699 Orig. $999.99 was No. 15. percent. the gaps that the rankings “Queens comes out A new feature of the highlight.” OVER 100 RECLINERS ON DISPLAY well in quite a few catego- survey this year was fast “Now in its third year, ries,” said Julie Willens food outlets. Willens Van the rankings are increas- VAIL SAVE CONNER SAVE JOSHUA 4 Lift Chair Recliner $ Recliner $ Chaise Styles Van Dijk, a University of Dijk said surveyors so far ingly being used by com- 380 270 Recliner Available Wisconsin researcher for have taken no stand on fast munity leaders to help them the project. food environments as they identify challenges and The survey reported measure the percentage take action in a variety of that Queens had a citywide of these restaurants in a ways to improve residents’ low of 4,882 premature county. health,” she said. deaths in 2010-11, which “It is informational for Angela Russell, a re- $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 GIVES YOU are those deaths involving residents,” she said. “Some- searcher for the University 299 Orig. $549.99 469 Orig. $849.99 599 Orig. $869.99 AN EXTRA BOOST! people 75 or younger and thing for them to consider of Wisconsin, said those SAVE which are preventable or in their environments.” working on the project had $ 14 Styles to Choose! controllable. Fast food outlets ac- found certain characteris- 560 Brooklyn had 6,515 count for 51 percent of tics in different sections of premature deaths, Man- Queens’ restaurants, 48 the nation: hattan 5,005, Staten Island percent of Staten Island’s • Excessive drinking 5,524 and the Bronx 7,987. and Manhattan’s, 52 per- rates are highest in the Queens had 22 percent cent of Brooklyn’s and 62 Northern states. of children living in pov- percent of Brooklyn’s. • Rates of teen births, CLARK Reclining Sofa $ 99 LEAH Full Size $ 99 erty, compared with the “The rankings are sexually transmitted infec- Orig. $1359.99 799 Sofabed 899 Bronx at 42 percent, Brook- an annual checkup that tions and children living in ALL LEATHER ON SALE lyn at 33 percent, Manhat- highlight the healthiest poverty are highest across tan at 23 percent and Staten and least healthy counties Southern states. SAVE Island at 17 percent. in every state, as well as • Unemployment rates HUNDREDS! In Queens 22 percent those factors that influence are lowest in the Northeast- Featuring Reclining Sofas, of the adult population is health outside the doctor’s ern, Midwest and Central Loveseats and More obese, in the Bronx 28 per- office,” said Dr. Risa Laviz- Plains states. DISPLAY oYfoLfaL-Za--BZoy Fu cent, in Manhattan 15 per- zo-Mourey, chief executive • Motor vehicle crash RGESSTT DISPLA -Boy rFnuitrunrietu & LLAARGE irnetihnet ST & MhetM cent, in Brooklyn 25 per- officer of the Robert Wood deaths are lowest in the EEST roeAtro he BB reaAre cent and in Staten Island 28 Johnson Foundation. “The Northeastern and Upper The ! a! percent. good news is that business- Midwest states. As for adult smok- es, health care providers, ROCKVILLE CENTRE CARLE PLACE FARMINGDALE SETAUKET 150 Sunrise Hwy 265 Glen Cove Rd. 1644 Route 110 4016 Nesconset Hwy. (Rte 347) ers, Queens came in at 14 government, consumers Reach contributing 516-766-0910 516-248-2323 631-845-4790 631-642-3240 percent, the Bronx at 19 and community leaders writer Philip Newman by e- ALL STORES OPEN: Monday– Saturday 10am-9pm (RVC 10am-6pm), Sunday 11am-6pm percent, Brooklyn at 16 per- are already joining forces mail at timesledgernews@ 1-800-RECLINER WWW.LAZBOY.COM/LONGISLAND-NYC cent, Manhattan at 15 per- in communities across the cnglocal.com or phone at *Offer is for discount of 8.625% or equivalent to the Sales Tax. By law we have to collect sales tax. But, in addition to our Low Sale Price, you will receive a discount equal or greater than the sales tax. Discount applies to merchandise only. Valid on purchases of $500 or more. Excludes prior purchases, hot buys and clearance items and is not to be combined cent and Staten Island at 20 nation to change some of 718-260-4536. with any other promotional offer. Photos are for illustration only. Not all items in all stores. Delivery charges apply. Immediate delivery, in stock items only. †Restrictions apply. Available on in-stock merchandise, Delivery Days Tuesday thru Saturday. Purchase must be made prior to 2 pm. May not apply to certain delivery locations. See store for details. 6 Commons sees progress City looks to mediate

COM cemetery dig debacle . Massive Flushing project rejuvenated after developers go to Asia BY JOE ANUTA tion fence had been erected

TIMESLEDGER BY JOE ANUTA at the back of the lot and a Members of a Flush- utility pole driven into the On the heels of what ap- ing house of worship met ground. Both structures peared to be a fund-raising with a developer and the encroached upon a historic

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 trip to Asia, the developers city Monday morning to cemetery containing many

PR of Flushing Commons are answer lingering questions unmarked graves in the , A back in Queens and in the about how much of a his- back of the meeting house. process of inking contract torically marked cemetery “It was just so disre- WEEKLY deals for the $850 million was disturbed by construc- spectful of a cemetery,”

UEENS downtown project. tion crews last month. Frager said. “We still Q Michael Meyer, presi- “A lot of the next steps don’t understand how they dent of TDC Develop- that were discussed could thought they had the right ment, attended meetings be very useful and very to go onto our property in cities including Hong helpful,” said Cheshire and the right to start doing Kong and Beijing in early Frager, a parishioner at the things like that in a histor- March, e-mails obtained by church who is on a commit- ic graveyard.” TimesLedger Newspapers tee to investigate. “Every- Once the city realized through the Freedom of In- one’s good intent seemed a historic cemetery had formation Law show. to be apparent at this meet- possibly been violated, the Meyer was upbeat, ing.” city Landmarks Preserva- calling the tete-a-tetes “ex- In March, congregants tion Commission urged cellent,” but it was unclear at the Flushing Quaker another agency, the city De- exactly what was discussed, Meeting House, near the partment of Buildings, to since details about the proj- corner of Northern Bou- halt work on the site. ect were not released as levard and Bowne Street, The developer, Pinna- part of the information re- noticed that a construc- quest. Continued on Page 20 Meyer declined to comment at this stage in the project, but has said in previous interviews that Flushing Commons did not have enough funding to get Developers of the Flushing Commons project are currently in contract negotiations, according to the a shovel in the ground. city. A FOIL officer from the city Economic Develop- The officer was not Group, which is partner- the project from a variety ment Corp. said the docu- specific, but said the devel- ing with TDC for the 5-acre of aspects and we’re just ments specifically related opers were currently nego- project that will bring hun- about ready to give you to the progress of Flushing tiating new contract deals dreds of apartments and both a high-level briefing,” Commons — which was ap- as part of the mega-project hundreds of thousands of Meyer said. proved in summer 2010 but that is proposed to take the retail space to the area. The subject line of never broke ground — were place of Municipal Lot 1 In December, Meyer many of the missives ex- Tom English, of the Quaker Meeting House (l.-r.); project man- legally exempt because re- downtown. and Sondik had been plan- changed between Meyer ager Arnold Matthew; and a member of the development team leasing them would affect Along for the Asian ning to give a big update to and the EDC was “Flushing discuss the logistics of the gaping excavation behind them and a bidding process affiliated trip was Rick Sondik, of EDC, the documents show. Commons biweekly check- how it affected the historic cemetery behind the wall. with the project. Rockefeller Development “We’ve been all over in.” Photo by Joe Anuta

ROZ LISTON EDITORIAL STAFF Cartoonist: Tip Sempliner ADVERTISING CLASSIFIED TIMESLEDGERNewspapers Editor Copy Editor: Joseph Gargiulo Contributing Writers/ Senior Account Executive: Classified Director: Photo Editor: Christina Santucci Columnists: Kathy Wenk Amanda Tarley Account Executives: COLIN DEVRIES Reporters: Rebecca Henely, Joe Joan Brown Wettingfeld, ■ David Strauss Classified Sales ASTORIA TIMES BAYSIDE TIMES Managing Editor Anuta, Rich Bockmann, Phil Corso, Bob Harris, Dee Richard, Kenneth Kowald, FLUSHING TIMES ■ FOREST HILLS LEDGER Steve Mosco Suzanne Parker, Ronald B. Hellman, Stefanie Howe Manager: Sherri Rossi Thyais Grant FRESH MEADOWS TIMES Editorial Designer: Diana Rios William Lewis, Bob Friedrich RALPH D’ONOFRIO Victor Clavie JACKSON HEIGHTS TIMES ■ JAMAICA TIMES Layout: Rod Ivey V.P. of Advertising LAURELTON TIMES ■ LITTLE NECK LEDGER Photographers: Nat Valentine, ART & PRODUCTION OFFICE MANAGER QUEENS VILLAGE TIMES ■ RIDGEWOOD LEDGER Ellis Kaplan, Norm Harris, Layout Manager: Linda Lindenauer WHITESTONE TIMES Maria Lopez, P.J. Smith, Ken Lorens Morris Maldonado 41-02 Bell Boulevard CIRCULATION Bayside, New York 11361 Roberto Palacios (718) 260-4545 www.TimesLedger.com

PROUD MEMBER OF NEW YORK PRESS ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION, SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS OF AMERICA AND INLAND PRESS ASSOCIATION Bodega adds safety measures 7

Open for lunch & dinner through Sunday. Q to deter crime after shooting UEENS Tuesday

WEEKLY BY RICH BOCKMANN , A PR

A year and a half after 2012 . 15, • Shawn Forde fatally shot Juan Torres during a robbery at the Lucky Deli, the Laurelton bodega has fol- TIMESLEDGER lowed some of the advice offered in the wake of the violence to make itself safer. . Frances Torres, sis- COM ter-in-law of the slain deli worker, said the store has installed more cameras and there are more em- ployees working during the night-time hours. The windows, though, Private parties are still full of miscella- are the specialty neous items for sale and a of the house curtain of lottery tickets hangs behind the counter blocking the view from the L’Italiano Trattoria street. And according to (ORACE(ARDING%XPRESSWAYs"AYSIDEs718-224-2536 Frances Torres, there is no www.litalianotrattoriany.com gun in the store. “I don’t touch those Italian cuisine cooking classes-gift certificates available things,” she said. Forde, 29, pleaded guilty last week to the Oc- tober 2010 shooting death of 7).$/73s3)$).'s2//&).'s$//23 Juan Torres, who came to JUAN TORRES the aid of his brother, Felix, ies, and at the time of the St. in Laurelton, pleaded when Forde robbed him at killing City Councilman guilty to first-degree man- gunpoint and faces 15 years James Sanders (D-Laurel- slaughter before Queens Su- in prison, according to ton) said the holdups had preme Court Justice Rich- Queens District Attorney become an epidemic that no ard Buchter, who indicated Richard Brown. one should take lightly. that he would sentence him According to the He advised deli own- to 15 years in state prison DOUBLE PANE criminal complaint, Forde ers to clear their windows May 1, Brown said. entered the deli, at 220-26 so the inside of their stores “The defendant has Merrick Blvd., just before would be open for viewing admitted that his violent WINDOWS 10 p.m. Oct. 23, 2010. He by pedestrians outside. actions were responsible grabbed Felix Torres, Fran- The Torreses lost an- for the untimely death of Fully Welded! Energy Efﬁ cient! ces’ husband, brandish- other brother to an armed a hardworking father and ing a .45-caliber pistol and robbery when he was work- store owner,” Brown said. slammed the man’s head ing at a Ridgewood deli “As such, the defendant has on the counter demanding more than 10 years earlier, proven himself unfit for so- $ money, Brown said. and Ramon Murphy, presi- ciety, and the prison term After Felix Torres dent of the Bodega Asso- to be imposed is more than s Guaranteed Energy Savings...in Writing! handed Forde money from ciation of the United States, justified.” 179*Up to a Giant 101 U.I. s Lifetime Glass Breakage Warranty the register, Juan Torres, called for gun permits to be Frances Torres, s Lifetime Parts & Labor Warranty Completely Installed! 54, came running out of the issued to deli owners to help though, said she felt the back of the store and was them defend themselves. sentence was not strict fatally shot in the head by Frances Torres said enough. $ Forde, who quickly fled the she does not feel apprecia- “One year or 100 years 500 OFF scene, according to Brown. bly more or less safe work- is not going to bring him ROOFING When a family mem- ing at the deli now as com- back,” she said. “He’ll get Min. 1500 sq. ft. Not to be combined with any other offer. ber was shown a photo of pared to in the past, and the out when he’s 45. He’ll still Forde, she identified him best safety precaution she be a very young man. It’s 516-564-4400 as a regular customer of can take is to be as vigilant not enough time.” $ SHOWROOM the Lucky Deli, and he was as possible. 2000 OFF FREE later picked out of a police “Just be alert. Pay at- Reach reporter Rich In Home 1096 Grand Ave. line-up, the NYPD said. tention to who’s coming and Bockmann by e-mail at VINYL SIDING Estimates! South Hempstead Min. 1500 sq. ft. Not to be combined with any other offer. The store had been the going outside,” she said. [email protected] Just Off Exit 20 s On Southern State Pkwy Suffolk Lic#49650-H Nassau Lic#H0811550000 NYC Lic#1419391 site of other armed robber- Forde, of 137-50 229th or by phone at 718-260-4574. 8 Blaze ends Cooking with Jazz for Queens chef

BY STEVE MOSCO inept contractor,” he said. working site to plead with COM . “That’s a nice way of say- Steve to reconsider. A unique eatery pair- ing it.” “Where else can I get ing music and food will According to Chef great buttermilk chicken

TIMESLEDGER play its last chord and boil Steve, his landlord did not and be able to stumble on its last crawfish April 22 file for a building permit home?” asked a distraught after the owner decided the to reconstruct the charred Lora Panossian. stress was not worth the eatery for three months. Ingredients in Steve’s

. 15, 2012 • . 15, 2012 cost. The landlord of the build- dishes are rising in cost and

PR Cooking with Jazz, at ing could not be reached for have made it difficult for , A 179-22 Union Tnpk. in Ja- comment. the restaurant to remain fi- maica Estates, hit the skids Steve’s sous-chef, Dave nancially viable. Steve said WEEKLY last year after a fire forced Lavoie, said the delay in before the fire pecans were

UEENS its doors to close for eight rebuilding put further fi- $4 a pound; today the pieces Q months. Now the chef/ nancial stress on the owner are priced at $8.60 a pound. owner finds running the and his restaurant. Catfish, a staple in Cajun restaurant too much of a “It’s a tough job and cuisine, more than doubled pressure cooker. that fire made it all the in price — up from $3 to $7, “I’ve had enough. I just Chef Steve holds up a bottle of shrimp and crab boil used in one of his recipes at Cooking with Jazz, more tougher,” said Lavoie, according to Steve. can’t take it anymore,” said which is slated to close later this month. Photo by Christina Santucci who has worked at Cooking Even with the finan- Chef Steve, who chose not to 15. Having not attended cu- 2009 and, by all accounts, thing. The restaurant had with Jazz for eight months. cial and emotional stress, give his full name. “Every linary school, he learned in business was booming. to be gutted and, although “Steve made the decision Steve wants to remain in six months I need cortisone front of ovens and fryers in “Those first six months insurance paid for the re- to close. It might be a rash the food industry, cooking shots in my back. Bags of New Orleans restaurants or so we were banging. You pairs, the restaurant never decision because that’s the to earn his pay. Although potatoes are 50 pounds, on- during the 1980s. He came couldn’t get a seat,” said fully recovered and the way he is.” he probably will not try to ions are 50 pounds. Every- back to his home in Queens Steve. “Then the fire hap- process to reopen left Steve Chef Steve notified open another restaurant, thing is 50, 75, 100 pounds. and opened Cooking with pened.” with little confidence in the his customers of the pend- preparing food is what That and the stress, it’s just Jazz’s first incarnation in The fire was caused by food service industry. ing shutdown via e-mail Steve knows best — and too much.” Whitestone. 80-year-old wiring in the “My restaurant was and Facebook. Many were another job in the industry Chef Steve, 53, began He moved his restau- ceiling of the back dining closed for eight months shocked when they heard, is the only possibility that his cooking career at age rant to Jamaica Estates in area and it changed every- because of my landlord’s taking to the social net- makes sense to him.

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Mother’s 2012 . 15, • Day TIMESLEDGER . COM

Jimmy’s Trattoria Ristorante Private Parties and Catering Available for all Occasions Glen Oaks Village’s Justin Conklin points to where a squirrel’s nest was built, damaging the heat =DDDN< 9QKA<= (3c shield blanket under his car’s chewed-up hood. Photo courtesy Bob Friedrich Monday –Friday 3:30pm- 11:00pm

BY PHIL CORSO he noticed a smell of some- ers recently trapped some -9LMJ<9QHE EA