LAST DAYS TO APPLY FOR COMMUNITY BOARDS:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. reminds you that there are only a few days left to apply to serve on your Community Board. The deadline is Friday, February 13. If you’re a qualified, civic-minded individual looking for a way to serve your community, apply to one of Queens’ 14 Community Boards, which play an important advisory role in considering land and zoning matters, city service delivery, and more. If you or someone you know are interested, apply at bit.ly/communityboard2026
GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER ANNOUNCE OVER $18.6 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR QUEENS:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced $18,611,000 in federal funding for critical projects in Queens in the just-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding package. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.
“This year’s funding will help support significant projects in Queens, from much-needed upgrades at community centers to college readiness programs, homeownership initiatives, and affordable housing construction,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With tens of millions of dollars going directly to organizations across the five boroughs, I am proud to be delivering this much-needed federal funding to improve the lives of New Yorkers and to keep New York City flourishing.”
“I’m proud to deliver these critical investments for our communities in Queens to create more affordable housing, increase access to vital services for immigrant communities, assist disadvantaged families with food assistance, and much more,” said Senator Schumer. “From a childcare center, to small business development services, these funds are supporting projects that will make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers. I won’t stop fighting to deliver the resources needed to better our communities and support the incredible organizations that help them flourish.”
$5 million to India Home for Affordable Housing for Seniors
$3.1 million for Queensborough Community College Child Care Center
$2 million for the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens’ New Jackson Heights Community Center
$1.5 million for the Queens Chamber of Commerce to Develop a Cyber Academy
$1.1 million for Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE)
$1 million for National Federation of Filipino American Associations Community Center
$1 million for Bukharian Heritage Society’s Jewish Museum and Community Facility Expansion
$1 million for Greater Allen Development Corporation Affordable Mixed-Use Housing
$900,000 for Ridgewood Nepalese Community and Cultural Center renovation
$500,000 for Korean American Civic Empowerment’s (KACE) Small Business Program
$500,000 for New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) Community & Training Center
$500,000 for UnionDocs Center for Documentary Art Building Renovation
$160,000 for Bangladeshi American Society, Inc. for Food Pantry and Youth Development
$135,000 for Garden of Hope Community Based Services for Chinese Immigrant Survivors
$100,000 for Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE)’s Youth Development and College Readiness Program
RICHARDS’ LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. Lunar New Year Celebration featuring cultural performances, honors for community leaders, refreshments on Monday, February 23 from 5 pm to 8 pm. at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. RSVP required: docs.google.com/forms/d/1rW91I66kFFvYALAH6cahS3laS4bjuI9PmTjpPr69o/viewform?edit_requested=true
ROZIC JOINED PS 203 TO CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, Fresh Meadows) joined the P.S. 203 The Oakland Gardens School community to celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse. Students marked the annual occasion with a spirited performance that reflected themes of energy, perseverance, and forward momentum.
“I was proud to secure historic victories for the Asian American community: making Lunar New Year a statewide public school holiday and fighting to ensure Asian American history is taught in schools.” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “That’s why I am so proud to see students and faculty celebrate their culture in a way that brings that whole school community together.”
MAMDANI ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO UPHOLD NYC’S SANCTUARY CITY LAWS:
At the first annual Interfaith Breakfast of his administration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced sweeping new actions to uphold New York City’s sanctuary city laws and protect immigrant New Yorkers. The breakfast brought together nearly 400 faith and community leaders from across the five boroughs.
During the event, Mayor Mamdani signed a comprehensive executive order to reaffirm the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for all New Yorkers. The order protects the privacy and data of immigrants and all residents; bolsters restrictions on federal immigration enforcement on city property; initiates an audit to make sure city agencies are complying with sanctuary laws; and establishes a committee to coordinate crisis response across city government in the event of escalating federal immigration actions or other major events.
Mayor Mamdani also launched a citywide “Know Your Rights” push, distributing nearly 32,000 flyers and booklets in 10 languages for faith leaders to share with their congregations. The materials provide clear, accessible information about New Yorkers’ rights during interactions with federal immigration authorities, including the right to remain silent, the right to speak to an attorney, and the right to a translator.
The materials outline key rights and options during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the right to remain silent, the right to ask for a judicial warrant, the right to speak with an attorney and the right to request an interpreter. They also explain New York City’s sanctuary laws and provide information about the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Legal Support Hotline. The hotline, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1-800-354-0365, offers free information and referrals to immigration legal assistance. During his remarks, Mayor Mamdani called on faith leaders to help ensure this information reaches every corner of the city by distributing the flyers to their congregations.
NYWFP STATEMENT ON DIANA MORENO’S VICTORY:
The New York Working Families Party, released the following statement: “Tonight (Tuesday, February 3), with over 99% of precincts reporting, we are so proud that Diana Moreno will officially join the NYS Assembly to represent the 36th district. Diana secured her victory with nearly half of her total votes on the WFP line.”
SENATE PASSES ADDABBO BILL TO HELP COMBAT ILLEGAL DUMPING:
The New York State Senate passed legislation (S.1187) sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., to permit local sanitation departments to install and use security cameras to help enforcement officers identify and fine individuals who have engaged in illegal dumping.
“This is an environmental issue, a public health issue, and a quality-of-life issue,” said Addabbo. “Illegal dumping degrades our neighborhoods and disrespects the communities that residents work hard to maintain. My bill gives local governments the tools they need to protect the character of their communities while promoting cleaner, safer public spaces. I want to thank my constituents who raised this issue with me and became the originators of this bill,” concluded Addabbo.
Illegal dumping poses serious environmental risks, threatens public health, and undermines the character and cleanliness of neighborhoods. By allowing municipalities to responsibly deploy surveillance cameras in dumping hotspots, this legislation provides local governments with a practical, targeted tool to deter illegal activity and hold violators accountable. Communities impacted by dumping often bear repeated financial and environmental costs, diverting resources that could otherwise be invested in essential services.
Addabbo said he likes this bill because it is constituent-driven, developed in direct response to concerns raised by residents who have long struggled with recurring illegal dumping despite cleanup efforts and enforcement challenges. Complaints of individuals dumping household trash both inside and next to trash bins on the sidewalk, resulting in undesirable odors and presenting a serious quality-of-life issue in the community.
Under this legislation, authorized municipal agencies may use surveillance cameras in accordance with local laws and privacy protections, ensuring the technology is used responsibly and solely for enforcement related to illegal dumping. The bill now advances to the Assembly for consideration.
PALADINO FILES NEW FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT:
Council Member Vickie Paladino: “On January 21st, I was proud to host a press conference in my office in support of a new federal civil rights lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York by civil rights attorney
Susan Chana Lask. The lawsuit seeks timely action on firearm license applications for law-abiding New Yorkers, as required under New York State law. The Second Amendment right to bear arms is constitutionally guaranteed, and applicants are entitled to decisions within the legally mandated timeframe….We called attention to the failure to issue firearms licenses within the six-month deadline required under New York State law and expressed support for a federal civil rights lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York by civil rights attorney Susan Chana Lask, Esq. The event underscored the growing demand for accountability and for timely, lawful decisions for law-abiding New Yorkers exercising their Second Amendment rights.”
CRUZ JOINS PS 28 FOR COZY CABIN EVENT:
NYS Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz: “I had the pleasure of joining PS 28 and the Child Center of New York for their ‘Cozy Cabin’ event, where children and families came together to create, connect, and celebrate— making jewelry, crafts, and memories together. It was truly beautiful to see our young people exploring their creativity while families shared moments of joy. Our office was proud to co-sponsor this event and donate items to help make it possible, as community gatherings like these give our families a chance to simply enjoy one another. This is especially meaningful here in Corona, as we continue navigating a challenging political climate. Moments like these remind us of our resilience, unity, and the power of coming together as a community.”
LIU TO HELP RESIDENTS APPLY FOR PROPERTY TAX, RENT RELIEF:
State Senator John Liu, in partnership with city and state elected officials, today announced the return of the annual tax information sessions with the New York City Department of Finance to assist residents in applying for property tax and rent relief exemptions and appealing their annual Notice of Property Value statements.
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to attend one of the free sessions to learn about their options for tax savings. Depending on their home classification, New Yorkers have until March 1st or the 15th to appeal their assessed property value or apply for property or rent relief exemptions. Eligible applicants could save hundreds to thousands of dollars on their annual property taxes or rent.
State Senator John Liu stated, “At a time when families are being squeezed by higher costs across the board, no one should be leaving money on the table when it comes to property taxes or rent. These relief programs exist to help seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, homeowners, and renters stay in their homes, but the rules and paperwork can be confusing. By bringing the Department of Finance directly into northeast Queens, we’re cutting through the red tape and making sure residents get clear, one-on-one help to access the savings they deserve.”
Attendees can learn about:
Notice of Property Value informs homeowners of the DOF’s assessment of property value for the coming tax year and determines how much property tax the homeowner needs to pay.
Basic STAR is for homeowners whose total household income is $500,000 or less.
Enhanced STAR is for homeowners 65 and older whose total household income for all owners and spouses who live with them is $110,750 or less.
Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption is for seniors who own one-, two-, or three-family homes, condos or cooperative apartments with an income of $58,399 or less. The program can reduce your home’s assessed value by as much as 50 percent depending on income.
Disability Homeowners Exemption for disabled New Yorkers who own one-, two-, or three-family homes, condos or cooperative apartments with an income of $58,399 or less. The program can reduce your home’s assessed value by as much as 50 percent depending on income.
Veterans Tax Exemption lowers property taxes of qualified veterans, spouses, and parents of soldiers who died in the line of duty.
Disability Rent Increase Exemption is for tenants with a disability who qualify to have their rent frozen at their current level and exempting them from future rent increases.
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption freezes rent for senior citizens 62 and over.
This year’s sessions will be held in collaboration with Assembly Members Ed Braunstein, Nily Rozic, Ron Kim, and David Weprin, and Council Members Linda Lee, Sandra Ung, and James Gennaro on the following dates and locations:
Friday, February 13 at CPC Nanshan Senior Center, 133-14 41st Avenue, Flushing, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11 at Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Additional locations to be announced. For more information, email events@johnliusenate.com or call 718-765-6675.
MENG SEEKS MORE DAYS OF MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE:
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she asked the Queens Public Library to provide more days of mobile library service for the Rego Park Library while the facility is closed and rebuilt over the next several years. The current 7,500-square-foot, one-story location at 91-41 63rd Drive is being demolished and will be replaced with a new 18,000-square-foot, three-story state-of-the-art building. But the library is not expected to reopen until the winter of 2029-2030, and during this time over the next several years, only one day a week of mobile library service is scheduled to be available at the site. Many constituents in the area, as well as members of Queens Community Board 6 (which covers Rego Park), have said that this once-weekly service – which is on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – is not enough for the community. So, the Congresswoman sent a letter to the head of the Queens Public Library respectfully requesting that additional days of mobile service be arranged for Rego Park.
“This would help ensure that local library users have greater access to the resources they need over the next few years, while the new library is being built,” Meng wrote in her correspondence to Dennis Walcott, the President and CEO of the Queens Public Library. “Many residents who rely on the library, including seniors, students completing school assignments, and researchers, will be directly affected. While some disruption is inevitable as this state-of-the-art facility is built, Rego Park residents deserve consistent and meaningful access to library services throughout the process, and I respectfully ask that you consider this.” Meng added that “while the Elmhurst, Forest Hills, and North Forest Park branches will remain open, traveling to these locations presents a significant challenge for many neighborhood residents.”
The Rego Park Library closed to the public in late November to prepare for construction and the one day a week of mobile service began in January. The branch has consistently been one of the Queens Public Library’s busiest locations, ranking among the top in checkouts, visits and computer use. In December, Meng took part in the groundbreaking for the new library where she expressed her excitement for the project, which has been decades in the making. The $39 million initiative is being managed by the New York City Department of Design and Construction. The current facility opened some 50 years ago.
BROOKS-POWERS TO HOST FIRST STATE OF THE 31ST COUNCIL DISTRICT ADDRESS:
New York City Council Member Selvena
N. Brooks-Powers will host her first State of the District Address on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Merrick Academy, 221-06 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton.
The State of the District Address will bring together community members, stakeholders, and local leaders to reflect on progress over the past several years and to share a forward-looking vision for the next term. Council Member Brooks-Powers will highlight key accomplishments, outline legislative priorities, and share plans to continue advancing equity, opportunity, and quality of life for residents across the district.
“I often say, serving as the Council Member for District 31 is one of the greatest privileges of my lifetime, and it means a great deal to represent the Southeast Queens community that I’ve chosen to raise my family in,” said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This State of the District is a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together over the past five years and to share a clear vision for what comes next. My job is not just to vote, but to listen, to convene, and to turn community priorities into action and results. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m excited to continue building a district that is safer, more resilient, and full of opportunity for every family.”
GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER DELIVER FULL FUNDING FOR WTC HEALTH PROGRAM:
Today, following years of advocacy, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated Congress’ passage of legislation to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which is now on its way to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, first responders and survivors continue to be diagnosed with serious and often life-threatening 9/11-related health conditions, underscoring the ongoing need for stable federal support for the program. The WTCHP faces increasing demand as enrollment continues to grow and new illnesses are identified, putting pressure on the program’s resources.
The WTCHP was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer led lawmakers in passing $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, the senators helped secure an additional $676 million for the program. The updated funding secured this year continues that commitment to ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead.
“The World Trade Center Health Program honors our promise to never forget our 9/11 survivors and the first responders who protected our nation in its darkest hour,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was proud to work across the aisle to finally secure full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, and I am relieved that the funding has been passed and will soon be signed into law.”
“Today, after years of work, we finally deliver on the sacred promise to ‘Never Forget’ by fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program to ensure the brave first responders & survivors always get the care they deserve. I have seen firsthand the toll that uncertainty and funding gaps take on our 9/11 heroes, standing with them as more and more got sick with cancers and other illnesses from rushing to danger and working on the pile,” said Senator Schumer.
ADDABBO REMINDER ABOUT HEAP:
The 2025-2026 Regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefit opened on December 1, 2025, and will operate through April 7, 2026, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefit for the 2025-2026 HEAP season opened for new applications on December 11. HERR benefits are available to assist HEAP-eligible households with the cost to repair or replace primary heating equipment. For the 2025-2026 program year, HERR benefits will be limited to applicants aged 60 or older at the time of application who own the home where the heating equipment requiring repair or replacement is located. The heating equipment must be declared inoperable or unsafe by a participating vendor and be in need of repair and/or replacement.
The 2025-2026 Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open on January 2, 2026. If eligible, the Emergency HEAP benefit can help heat the home if you experience a heat or heat-related emergency. If regular component benefits are available for an eligible household, they must be used first to resolve heating emergencies. One Emergency benefit of each type is available per HEAP household for the 2025-2026 program year. Temporary relocation for housing emergencies and propane tank deposits to obtain new propane vendors are also available under the Emergency benefit component. For additional details and how to apply, visit the HEAP webpages maintained by NYC DSS and NYS OTDA.
YEAR-ROUND VETERANS COLLECTION DRIVE:
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. Clothing & Supplies Drive for Veterans is ongoing– –until needs are met. Drop off at Senator Addabbo’s offices: 84-16 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven or 66-85 73rd Place, Middle Village. New items are needed: sneakers, sweaters, sweatpants, pants and jeans, hoodies, body wash, razors and shaving cream, washcloths, t-shirts, crew socks, male underwear, bath towels. For more info, call Sen. Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.
PHEFFER AMATO SUCCEEDS IN HELPING COMMUNITY:
New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato’s Office is able to report they successfully resolved well over 1,600 constituent-based cases throughout 2025. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato credited her amazing team as they worked to resolve a variety of issues by cutting the “red tape” and getting answers for the people of the 23rd Assembly District. “My office is committed to helping people because we love our community. We are always ready to roll up our sleeves and look to find an answer to your questions or concerns,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.
While the Assemblywoman is a State representative, she is known for having the ability and trust to resolve even City agency-based issues, along with any State related concerns. The Assemblywoman’s Office has resolved problems ranging from E-ZPass problems to City or State tax issues, in addition to obtaining documents from agencies and helping senior citizens access programs and get assistance. For anyone in need of service they can reach out to the Assemblywoman through email at amatos@nyassembly.gov, or by phone at 718-945-9550.
***CRIME BLOTTER***
DA SECURES COURT ORDER TO RETURN TWO HOMES TO RIGHTFUL OWNERS:
Properties in Queens Village and Kew Gardens Hills were Stolen in Deed Theft Scheme
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that two homes were returned on January 28 to their rightful owners after a judge voided fraudulent deeds for the properties. The homes were stolen as part of a deed fraud scheme and the defendants then sold the properties to third parties. Four people were ultimately convicted for the scheme, including a John Doe defendant whose identity remains unknown.
The DA’s office initiated proceedings under New York State Criminal Procedure Law 420.45 to void the deeds after the defendants were convicted. It was the 11th time the DA’s office – which was the first in the state to employ this statute in 2023 – has utilized the law to return homes after a conviction in a deed fraud case.
District Attorney Katz said: “We will not stand by and let property owners lose their homes to fraudsters. Prosecuting those who steal people’s homes is only part of our work – we are just as committed to returning those homes to their rightful owners. The decisive legal action taken by my Housing and Worker Protection Bureau spares the victimized families from having to go to civil court in an attempt to reclaim the deeds to their properties. My office has already secured convictions for four defendants involved in this deed theft scheme and the victims have now been made whole with this court order.”
The DA’s office last year indicted four individuals and three companies on charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy and other crimes for allegedly stealing three homes from their rightful owners in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens Village and Jamaica Estates.
Defendant Torey Guice pleaded guilty on October 7 to falsifying business records in the second degree and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and had to consent to void the fraudulent deed for which he was charged. Codefendant Autumn Valeri pleaded guilty on October 8 to three counts of grand larceny in the second degree. Valeri was sentenced on November 5 to five years of probation and was required to surrender her real estate license and consent to the deeds of the stolen property being voided. Codefendant Lawrence Ray pleaded guilty on October 16 to scheme to defraud in the first degree and was sentenced on November 20 to five years of probation and forfeiture of $403,829.22. He was also required to consent to the deeds of the stolen property being voided. A fourth defendant, a Johe Doe who has used multiple aliases and whose pedigree information is unverified, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the first degree and two counts of grand larceny in the second degree. He was sentenced to 4 ½ years to nine years in prison on the first-degree count and to four to eight years on the second-degree counts to run concurrently. He was also sentenced to a concurrent term of 3 ½ years to seven years for identity theft for stealing the identity of a Carl Avinger, a Tennessee resident. Three corporations associated with the defendants also pleaded guilty in the scheme.
At the time of Doe’s and Valeri’s pleas, Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng signed an order to void the fraudulent deed on one of the three properties. The two other properties had already been transferred to third parties necessitating the use of New York State Criminal Procedure Law 420.45.
Since it was formed in 2020, the DA’s Housing and Worker Protection Bureau has returned 23 homes to their rightful owners, including 11 utilizing the new state statute.
17-YEAR-OLD ARRAIGNED ON HATE CRIME CHARGES:
Defendant Allegedly Emailed Threats to Multiple Students at Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights; Charged with Making a Terroristic Threat as a Hate Crime; Faces Up to 15 Years, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a 17-year-old was arraigned on making a terroristic threat as a hate crime and related charges for allegedly sending an email to hundreds of fellow students at his school threatening to kill “all the Jews in this school and the city.” The school’s principal alerted the NYPD as soon as he became aware of the threat.
District Attorney Katz said: “At a time when more than half of all hate crimes citywide are anti-Jewish, we are seeing a dangerous normalization of antisemitism. Our schools must remain places of safety and learning in the face of this alarming trend. Threats of violence directed at students, particularly those rooted in hate, will be taken seriously and addressed immediately by my office. The defendant now faces serious criminal charges for allegedly threatening to kill Jewish students at his school and Jewish New Yorkers across the city. We will continue to act decisively to keep our schools safe and to protect the many communities that call this borough home.”
The 17-year-old of Jackson Heights, was arraigned yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, making a terrorist threat, and three counts of aggravated harassment in the second degree. Queens Criminal Court Judge Srividya Pappachan ordered the defendant to return to court today. If convicted of the top charge, the teen faces up to 15 years in prison.
DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on February 2, at approximately 12:34 p.m., the principal of the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights observed an email that was sent to several hundred students at one time from a school email address assigned to the defendant. The email stated in sum and substance, “At 2:00 we will all rise up and kill all the Jews in this school and the city. F*ck Jews.” The school was in session at the time of the email transmission. The principal contacted the authorities, and the defendant was apprehended at the school by members of the NYPD.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.