QUEENS DAY IN ALBANY 2026:
Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the business community on May 5 for Queens Day in Albany 2026. This annual event includes a meet-and-greet with the Queens Assembly and Senate delegation, tours of the majestic Capitol Building and Legislative Chambers, and a cocktail reception/food sampling of the finest Queens’ food and drink purveyors. Buses leave from the Bulova Corporate Center, 75-20 Astoria Blvd, Jackson Heights, promptly at 6:30 am on May 5, 2026! To register: https://queenschamber.glueup.com/event/170830/register/
ADDABBO BRINGS PAPER SHREDDING DAY TO FOREST PARK:
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. will be hosting his bi-annual Paper Shredding and Household Goods Donation event at the Forest Park bandshell parking lot on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Residents can securely dispose of personal documents through on-site shredding and donate select household items to the United War Veterans Council. The event will feature a drive-through set-up to help drop-offs move quickly. G-COP will be lending their support to ensure traffic flows smoothly.
Items that will be accepted during this event are paper (three medium boxes maximum of personal files per person including non-commercial business or medical files), clothing and shoes, small working appliances and kitchenware, toys and bikes, jewelry, small furniture, American flags, and eyeglasses. Items that cannot be accepted are: batteries, electronics, cardboard, magazines, file folders, pre-shredded paper, bulk commercial business files, x-rays, air conditioners, paint, and tires.
For more information about this event, call Senator Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.
Note: A separate collection event for e-waste and paint is scheduled in Forest Park on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
35th ANNUAL HERMES EXPO INTERNATIONAL:
The 35th Annual Hermes Expo International will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM at the Grand Marquis, Old Bridge, New Jersey. For those seeking visibility, access, and meaningful business connection across multiple industries, Hermes Expo offers a concentrated opportunity to be in the right room, at the right time.
GREEK AMERICAN HOMEOWNERS MEETING:
The Greek American Homeowners Association will not have a General Meeting in April due to Easter observation and the Greek Independence Day Parade, which will be held on Sunday, April 26 at 1:30 pm along Fifth Avenue from 64th to 79th Streets. The next General Meeting will be Wednesday, May 6.
SUNNYSIDE RESTAURANT WEEK IS BACK:
Mark your calendars! April 20th-May 4th! Get ready to dine, drink & discount from your favorite local spots. The Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District is a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501c3 organization working to promote and enhance the commercial district of Sunnyside. They sweep the sidewalks, hang the holiday lights, produce local events, and execute shop local promotions to highlight the district’s diverse and delicious businesses.
QBP RICHARDS MET THE METS!:
New York Mets baseball is finally back! Borough President Richards joined the Mets on the field on Thursday, March 26 for the pomp and circumstance of the pre-game Opening Day ceremony. Over the course of the next six months, Borough President Richards encourages Mets fans to enjoy the sights and sounds of the community outside of Citi Field by supporting local businesses in Corona and beyond.
NYCEDC PROJECTS $800 MILLION IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR 2026 MLB REGULAR SEASON:
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that New York Yankees’ and New York Mets’ regular home games combined are expected to generate $800 million in economic impact for New York City over the course of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. As baseball season kicks off and both teams prepare for their first home games, the Yankees and Mets continue to drive the local economy, support small businesses, create jobs, and draw New Yorkers and tourists to new neighborhoods across the Bronx and Queens.
Yankees’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $500 million over the course of the 2026 regular season, while Mets’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $300 million over the course of the 2026 regular season.
“Baseball season is an exciting time for New York City – it brings a sense of pride and energy, as well as a significant boost to our economy,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “Yankees and Mets games will attract New Yorkers and people from around the world to neighborhoods across Queens and the Bronx, stimulating local businesses and creating jobs, all while delivering $800 million in economic activity for New York City. We wish both teams luck and a great season.”
“Queens is hitting a home run today. Not just because Mets baseball is back, but because the economic activity that Mets home games generate for our borough is back for another season as well, along with the money that other team in the Bronx brings in for that borough’s economy,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As Citi Field once again springs to life and its future neighbors like Etihad Park, Metropolitan Park and the redeveloped Willets Point all on the rise, it has never been a better time to be a Mets fan or Queens resident. Here’s to another economically beneficial baseball season that ends with a World Series title coming home to The World’s Borough!”
HOCHUL ISSUES PROCLAMATION MARCH 29 AS VIETNAM VETERANS DAY:
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, and directed 15 landmarks across the state to be illuminated in green, yellow and red the evening of Sunday, March 29 in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of the state’s Vietnam veterans and their families. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.
“Today (March 29), New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red — the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal — to recognize New York’s Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation,” Governor Hochul said. “Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service.”
These landmarks were illuminated in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day: 1WTC, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center, The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall, Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
ADDABBO HONORS VIETNAM VETERANS IN ALBANY:
New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., spoke on the Senate floor in support of a resolution commemorating March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who served during one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history.
During his remarks, Addabbo paid tribute to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in Vietnam, many of whom returned home without the recognition and appreciation they deserved. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that their service is never forgotten and that future generations understand the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms.
“Vietnam veterans served with honor under extraordinarily difficult circumstances,” said Senator Addabbo. “Today, my colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to recognizing their bravery, acknowledging their selfless sacrifices, and ensuring they receive the respect and support they have earned.”
In his floor remarks, Addabbo also stressed that supporting veterans must rise above politics, calling for a continued nonpartisan commitment to act both legislatively and through the state budget to meet the needs of those who served. “Actions speak louder than words. We as a legislature must act both budgetarily and legislatively to address the needs of all veterans, in addition to saying thank you in this Senate Resolution. Taking care of our veterans is not a partisan issue; it is a moral obligation,” Addabbo said. “We must continue working together, across party lines, to deliver the resources, services, and support our veterans deserve.”
Vietnam Veterans Day, observed annually on March 29, marks the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Vietnam and serves as a national moment of reflection and gratitude for those who served during the conflict.
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/GOTHAM RECEIVES OVER $1 MILLION:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced a significant investment of over $1 million from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. to support critical infrastructure upgrades and patient experience improvements across two Gotham Health centers in Queens: Roosevelt and Lefrak. This funding reflects the shared commitment of both Gotham Health and Borough President Richards to advancing health equity and expanding access to high quality care for all Queens residents.
$1 million of the allocation will support strategic renovations to optimize Roosevelt’s layout and better meet the needs of patients and staff, including: converting a storage area into dental and pediatric examination rooms; creating two new offices for the nutritionist and social worker in the waiting area; renovating the west-side waiting area to include two legal offices; upgrading the women’s locker room with additional lockers and a bench; enhancing the staff kitchen with counter space, seating, and a full-size refrigerator; creating storage for cleaning supplies and community outreach materials; adding a new secretary workspace; and providing a conference room for staff collaboration and meetings.
An additional $55,000 investment at Lefrak will reconfigure the medication alcove to allow for separate refrigerator and freezer units, which currently share the same space with a copier.
“In my office, we’re focused on expanding healthcare access across Queens, especially for families in historically underserved and marginalized communities like Jackson Heights and Corona. A key pillar of that is expanding and enhancing preventative healthcare services,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “That means families don’t have to utilize hospitals as places to seek preventative care and, in turn, it lessens overcrowding and improves the speed of care in our hospitals. That’s why expanding facilities like Gotham Health clinics are so vital, which I’m proud to partner with NYC Health + Hospitals in doing through this $1.05 million allocation.”
WON ON WATER METER REPLACEMENTS:
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will replace over 600,000 Automated Meter Reading devices (AMR’s) in Astoria, Long Island City, and Sunnyside. Technicians will wear uniforms and carry ID badges; they won’t ask for personal info, accounts numbers, or payments. Replacements do not require an appointment. Aclara contractors will locate and replace exterior devices, which usually takes 15-30 minutes without entering the home. The AMR’s transmit water usage data, helping reduce estimated water bills and enhance leak detection.
ROZIC STATE GRANT FOR KCS:
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic visited Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York (KCS) to see firsthand the impact of a $50,000 state grant she secured for the organization to support a critical overhaul of their data management systems. Prior to Rozic’s grant allocation, KCS faced significant operational challenges due to a fragmented data system. Today, the organization reports the investment has transformed internal operations, strengthened financial strategy, and improved service delivery for their clients.
With Assemblywoman Rozic’s funding, KCS was able to implement a centralized platform cleaning up and consolidating their client services, grant management, and donor relations systems. This transformation has yielded significant internal and community-facing benefits leading to overall operational efficiency. “Investing in strong organizational infrastructure is key to ensuring nonprofits can effectively and efficiently serve our communities,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “KCS plays a vital role in supporting families across Queens, and I am proud to have helped lay the foundation for a system that strengthens their operations and expands their impact.”
RAJKUMAR APPEARED AS GODDESS KALI AT PHAGWAH PARADE:
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar appeared as Goddess Kali at this year’s Richmond Hill Phagwah Parade on Sunday, March 29 at Liberty Avenue & 133rd Street, bringing a powerful symbol of divine feminine strength to one of South Queens’ most beloved cultural celebrations. Rajkumar has described Kali as fierce, protective, and triumphant over evil — a fitting image for this time in our City and world, as we pray for the victory of good over evil. Rajkumar is the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State and previously served as Grand Marshal of the parade.
“This year at the Phagwah Parade, I’ll be appearing as Goddess Kali,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. “She is fierce. She is powerful. She destroys evil and protects her people. Come celebrate with me in a burst of color, culture, and divine feminine power.”
Held in the heart of Richmond Hill’s Little Guyana, the Phagwah Parade has been a defining tradition in Queens for more than three decades. The parade has grown from a neighborhood celebration into a major annual gathering of Indo-Caribbean and Hindu pride, drawing families, musicians, dancers, community organizations, and elected leaders onto Liberty Avenue in a dazzling display of color. The parade is widely recognized as one of New York City’s signature Holi and Phagwah celebrations and a powerful expression of the cultural life of South Queens.
“Phagwah is one of the great celebrations of South Queens, full of music, family, faith, and color,” Rajkumar said. “As the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State, I am proud to celebrate the traditions that our community has brought to this country and made part of the American story.”
MAMDANI ADVANCES FIRST FREE CHILD CARE FOR MUNICIPAL WORKERS:
Approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years will receive free, year-round childcare 8 AM to 6 PM Monday – Friday. All City workers based out of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building are now eligible in addition to all DCAS employees regardless of work location. Applications will launch on April 30; Program will kick off this fall following the completion of $10 million renovation of 4,000-square-foot facility
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei announced that the City’s first free, on-site child care pilot program for City workers will open applications on April 30, 2026.
Under Mayor Mamdani, the program has been expanded to include all City workers based at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street in addition to all DCAS employees regardless of work location. The Municipal Building, one of the largest government office buildings in the world, houses more than 2,000 employees across a dozen municipal agencies.
The program will operate on the ground floor of the building’s North Tower and provide year-round care Mondays through Fridays from 8 AM to 6 PM. The $10 million renovation is underway to construct a 4,000-square-foot child care facility, with completion expected this fall. The brand-new center will serve approximately 40 children ages 6 weeks to 3 years and offer an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support early learning, socialization and growth.
By expanding access to free, on-site child care, the City is putting upwards of $20,000 a year back in the pockets of working families. The program is also expected to improve the retention of top talent, boost productivity and strengthen job satisfaction among working parents. “Change begins at home. As we deliver universal child care to New Yorkers, that work must include the public servants who keep this city running,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We are bringing year-round, no-cost child care right here to Lower Manhattan — not just saving families money, but giving them back hours of their time. No parent should have to spend hours commuting just to ensure their child is safe and cared for.”
Applications will open on April 30, 2026. To be eligible, employees must:
Be a full-time DCAS employee regardless of work location or a full-time City employee who is assigned to 1 Centre Street.
Be a parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of 6 weeks (as of Sept. 1, 2026) and 3 years old (as of Dec. 31, 2026).
Families may submit one application per child. Full eligibility details will be available on the DCAS website when applications open. Selected participants will be notified in June. Families not selected will be placed on a waitlist and contacted if space becomes available.
Design and construction of the facility are being managed in house by DCAS, with a target opening date this fall. The program will be operated by a contracted child care provider, to be announced later this spring.
MAMDANI LAUNCHES CHILD CARE SURVEY:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the launch of the New York City Parent Survey, a first-of-its-kind effort to give families a direct role in shaping the future of universal child care.
As Mayor Mamdani takes historic first steps toward delivering universal child care across the city – beginning this fall with 2,000 free 2-K seats and more than 1,000 new free 3-K seats – the survey will play a central role in gathering input from families and incorporating it into program design.
Over the next two weeks, families will receive postcard invitations to participate. The survey will also be available online at nyc.gov/parentsurvey. All families with young children are encouraged to respond. The survey opened March 31 in English and Spanish and will remain open through April 13. A summary of results will be released later this year.
“Last year, New Yorkers made it clear: universal child care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity and it cannot wait. The same spirit of community-driven decision-making will guide how we build this system,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Every parent and caregiver deserves a voice in shaping the care their families rely on.”
The survey is a project of the New Practice Lab at New America and is funded by the Robin Hood Foundation. It is expected to be the largest representative survey of New York City parents of young children to date. It asks parents and primary caregivers about their current child care arrangements, preferred schedules and settings and priorities for early childhood education.
About the Survey
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and covers topics including current child care arrangements, parental leave preferences and preferred types and hours of care. Households that receive a postcard can visit nycparents.norc.org and enter their PIN to access the survey and receive a digital payment for completing it. Other families can visit nyc.gov/parentsurvey for a chance to participate.
All responses are anonymous and voluntary. Data will be kept strictly confidential, and no personally identifiable information will be shared with the Administration. Sampling and data collection are led by NORC at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan research organization.
The New York City Parent Survey is part of a nationwide effort by the New Practice Lab to strengthen connections between policymakers and families of young children.
BRAUNSTEIN CALLS FOR EXTENDING AND IMPROVING J-51 TAX INCENTIVE
Senate Housing Committee Chair Brian Kavanagh, Assemblymember Ed Braunstein, legislative colleagues, and a broad coalition of property owners, and housing and environmental advocates, today called for enactment of S8170A/A10549, to renew and strengthen the J-51 program, a longstanding New York City tax incentive currently scheduled to expire in June 2026, that supports capital improvements, repairs, and efficiency and sustainability upgrades in eligible rent-regulated rental buildings, co-ops, and condominiums.
“I have been a longtime supporter of the J-51 program, which offers residential buildings essential tax relief to support capital repairs. Co-ops are a cornerstone of middle-class housing in Queens, and the Governor’s proposal to renew and expand the J-51 program is a great step to help preserve affordable homeownership in New York City. In an effort to include even more middle-class co-ops in the program, I recently introduced A.10549, which builds on the Governor’s proposal and expands the program further. I thank Senator Kavanagh for his partnership on this issue and will continue to work to secure J-51’s expansion and renewal this Session,” said Assemblymember Ed Braunstein.
The J-51 program helps offset the costs of capital improvements such as heating system replacements, elevator modernization, plumbing and electrical upgrades, energy efficiency measures, and other critical building repairs. The proposed legislation, S8170A/A10549, would extend the program to 2036, allow building owners to recover 100% of approved project costs (rather than the current 70% maximum), and require biennial updates to the program’s cost schedule to keep pace with real-world construction costs. It would also reduce application fees and allow them to be recoverable as part of the project cost. For co-op and condo owners, the maximum average assessed value for a building to be eligible would increase from $45,000 to $75,000 per unit and would be adjusted annually for inflation. (The market value of these units is generally several times higher than the assessed value.) For rental buildings, the legislation would make it easier for buildings to qualify when 90% or more of their apartments are rent-regulated. New transparency and reporting requirements would ensure the program is working as intended and delivering results for New Yorkers.
“As the State Senator representing the largest number of co-ops and condos in New York, I know firsthand how difficult it can be for buildings to manage major repairs while keeping maintenance affordable for residents,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. “Our proposal updates the J-51 program so more co-ops and condos can access the support they need to make essential improvements, and protects the long-term affordability of homeownership in New York City.”
GILLIBRAND ON LOST SNAP BENEFITS:
In just two years, hardworking New Yorkers lost at least $52 million in SNAP benefits to scammers. This week, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand cosponsored legislation to help prevent “SNAP skimming,” a form of fraud in which thieves steal EBT card information to create duplicate cards and drain victims’ benefits. The legislation would also allow states to issue replacement SNAP cards at no cost within three days for recipients whose cards are stolen, cloned, or malfunctioning, and it would help eligible vendors and merchants update their payment processing systems to accept chip-enabled cards.
GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER, ON CUTS TO MEDICAID FUNDING TO NYS:
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee; Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader; Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee; and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding an immediate end to the Trump administration’s threats to cut Medicaid funding in New York, California, Maine, and other states led by Democratic governors.
In a new letter to the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the senators called out arbitrary investigations and cuts to Medicaid programs driven by unfounded claims of fraud.
GILLIBRAND REINTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America’s voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18.
“As Republicans across the country seek to pass voter suppression laws that will disenfranchise millions of voters, we must do more to make sure that voting is fair and accessible for all Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Voter Empowerment Act is commonsense legislation to modernize voter registration and protect our elections from interference. I am proud to introduce it alongside my good friend Rep. Clyburn, and I am determined to get it passed.”
The VEA responds to recently proposed federal and state-level restrictions by improving and protecting voter registration for all voters. Specifically, the bill would:
Modernize and streamline voter registration. The bill would require states to provide both same-day and online registration – including the option to update personal information online. States would also be required to automatically register voters whose information passes through another state or federal agency.
Prohibit interference in voter registration. The VEA would prohibit anyone from hindering another person from registering to vote and outlaw voter caging – the practice of removing voters from voter rolls because mail sent to them was returned to sender.
Improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The VEA would require a broad range of improvements to voter registration, polling places, and absentee voting to better accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Increase and protect access to the ballot box. The bill would establish minimum requirements for early voting access, prevent states from adding extra conditions to absentee voting, and require states to notify individuals when their polling place changes. The bill would also protect the right to vote for convicted criminals (unless actively serving a felony sentence) and allow a sworn written statement or student ID to fulfill state-mandated ID requirements.
Permanently reauthorize the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The VEA would also direct the EAC to provide grants for states to implement activities that advance and secure the right to vote, including the recruiting and training of poll workers.
HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $42 MILLION FOR 200 UNITS OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $42 million has been awarded to help seven community-based organizations establish 200 units of supportive housing to provide stable homes and mental health services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Administered by the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the awards will fund scattered-site supportive housing units in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens for those enrolled in Housing First initiatives, including the state’s successful Safe Options Support program.
The scattered-site supportive housing funding will establish 40 units in Queens, 40 units in Manhattan, 40 units in Brooklyn, and 80 units in the Bronx. The awards in Queens include: $3.1 million to Options for Community Living, to operate 15 units in Queens; $5.2 million to Comunilife Inc. to operate 25 units in Queens.
Scattered-site supportive housing provides affordable, independent homes and access to community-based services. The resident works with the community-based organization to develop an individualized support plan with goals and objectives focused on housing retention, community integration and recovery.
TISCH ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF OVER 1,000 GUNS FROM NYC STREETS IN 2026:
Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that the NYPD has removed more than 1,000 guns from New York City streets since January, bringing the total number of firearms seized under Commissioner Tisch’s leadership beginning in November 2024 to over 6,700. Since the start of this year, the NYPD has seized 1,054 total guns, with 305 guns seized in Brooklyn, 251 in the Bronx, 240 in Manhattan, 194 in Queens, and 64 on Staten Island. Of the 1,054 guns seized, 52 were ghost guns, which are unserialized and untraceable firearms that only exist to evade law enforcement and gun laws, often ending up in the hands of criminals.
The NYPD’s work to remove guns from the streets and take down the most dangerous gangs also contributed to historic lows in shootings. As a result of the NYPD’s crime fighting strategies, shooting incidents year-to-date are down 25% compared to 2024, and 40% compared to 2023. In the first two months of 2026, the NYPD delivered the lowest number of shooting incidents, shooting victims, and murders for that time period in recorded history. For January and February combined, the city had 81 shooting incidents and 95 shooting victims, surpassing the previous all-time lows of 92 and 105, set in 2025 and 2019, respectively. February alone also marked record lows in shooting incidents, victims, murders, and robberies in New York City’s public housing developments.
“Since the start of 2026, the NYPD has removed over 1,000 guns from city streets, and the results are already clear,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “So far this year, we are on pace with the historic record lows of 2025, when the NYPD delivered the safest year for gun violence ever. Because of the women and men of this department who are out on our streets focusing on the people carrying guns, building cases, and taking down violent gangs, we continue to seize these dangerous firearms and keep New Yorkers safe.”
NEW QUEENSLINK REPORT:
In a groundbreaking report, transportation professionals from the Steer Group demonstrate how QueensLink performs exceptionally well compared to other NYC megaprojects and creates a more affordable city. The project will generate billions of dollars in economic growth and travel time savings over the next 30 years, putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets. Steer’s report also builds upon ridership data from the Center for Urban Science + Progress at NYU determining that QueensLink would induce twice as many riders per mile
As New York City continues into its second year of congestion pricing, straphangers in the outer boroughs are anxious to see direct improvements generated from the program, and QueensLink would deliver exactly that. Steer’s report demonstrates that the project would save travelers 950,000+ minutes each year, equating to $4.9B in time savings. QueensLink is uniquely poised to create tangible, positive change at a time when affordability and cost of living are some of the biggest issues on residents’ minds; the project will generate at least $8.9B in economic growth, with $2.5B of from wage earnings alone. Steer’s study shows that, in fact, QueensLink “could deliver up to $2.20 of benefit to wider society for every $1 of public investment.”
To read the full report: https://thequeenslink.org/reports-studies/
“At a time when residents are rightfully concerned about making ends meet, our study shows how this investment is simply too valuable to ignore,” said Rick Horan, Executive Director of QueensLink. “We urge Mayor Mamdani to reconsider funding the previous administration’s project and truly deliver better transit. If we don’t build rails and trails together, the city stands to lose billions in economic growth and equitable mobility for marginalized communities.”
“Transportation unlocks opportunity. When we build infrastructure, we create literal pathways for our neighbors to access jobs, education, and resources. QueensLink presents a bold vision for reaching into parts of our borough that have been cut off for far too long. This investment will make our city a safer, cleaner, more equitable, and more prosperous place,” said Ben Guttmann, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation.
About the Project:
The QueensLink vision proposes a multi-modal thoroughfare, incorporating a subway extension and integrated park space to reconnect Queens communities that lack sufficient transit access. If built, QueensLink would create the borough’s first north-south subway line with accompanying bike paths and walking trails along the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch, a former Long Island Rail Road line. The project addresses critical climate, economic, and equity issues, especially for South Queens residents who endure some of the city’s longest commute times.
QueensLink is a project of QueensRail, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2015 to improve transit in South and Central Queens. For more information, please visit www.QueensLink.org
“Expanding public transportation is good for New York families who need reliable subways to commute to work, meet up with friends, and explore the city. Additional subway service in Queens and Brooklyn will better connect the two boroughs, save people time and money, and grow our economy,” said NY State Senator Kristen Gonzalez. “I want to thank QueensLink for their work to show that subway line expansion has great potential to improve our quality of life.”
“QueensLink represents the kind of forward-thinking investment our borough deserves. When a project can deliver billions of dollars in economic benefit while strengthening transit access and sustainability, it deserves serious consideration as part of New York’s long-term affordability and infrastructure agenda,” said NY State Senator James Sanders Jr.
“Those who live and work in Southeast Queens are counting on new transit projects to provide greater north-south rail connection to the rest of the borough. The QueensLink is still the best proposal to deliver that for our communities, and this latest report shows just how feasible and beneficial it would be,” said NY State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson.
“QueensLink is a smart investment in transit equity, sustainability, and opportunity for our borough,” said NY State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. “By extending the M train, we can finally deliver the reliable transit access that communities in Queens deserve. Just as the Interborough Express will transform travel in Brooklyn and western Queens, QueensLink can be transformative for central and southern Queens.”
“Parts of my district are known as “Asthma Alley,” not only because of the fossil-fuel burning power plants nearby, but also because of nearby highways and pervasive gridlock polluting our communities. I welcome restoring long neglected rail service that will decrease carbon emissions, and bring transit equity to parts of our borough that have been underserved for decades,” said NY State Assemblymember Diana Moreno.
“This report demonstrates what all of us in South Queens have always known – QueensLink is not only feasible but truly needed,” said NY State Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato. “By expanding transit accessibility, we can connect communities while addressing the ongoing affordability crisis and preserving the environment.”
“Queens deserves infrastructure that meets the needs of working families and future generations, not short-sighted development that forecloses major transit opportunities. QueensLink offers better transit access, relief for overcrowded lines, fewer cars on the road, and real environmental and economic benefits. I support QueensLink because our borough deserves bold solutions that put people first,” said NY State Assemblymember Steven Raga.
“For decades, our communities have watched trains pass through our neighborhoods while opportunity passed us by. Restoring rail service along this corridor will unlock new economic potential for neighborhoods and corridors like Atlantic Avenue. When we invest in transformative infrastructure like QueensLink, we create the foundation for thriving communities and a stronger future for our city,” said NY State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.
“Despite being the largest borough by land area, Queens has the fewest subway stations per capita,” said NY State Assemblymember Claire Valdez. “Right now, we have a traffic violence crisis, a climate crisis, and an affordability crisis. Removing an estimated 4.7 million car trips from our roads each year would help tackle all three, by reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and saving New Yorkers money on gas and vehicle maintenance. Let’s get it done.”
“Queens is growing rapidly, and we need forward-looking solutions that improve how people move around the borough. QueensLink has the potential to reduce commute times, expand transit access, and create new green spaces along the former rail line,” said NY State Assemblymember David Weprin.
“South Queens has lacked quality transit options for far too long, and QueensLink has a demonstrated potential to change that,” said New York City Council Member Joann Ariola. “This latest study shows the enormous economic benefits that this railway can provide, and I look forward to seeing the results of the federal and state studies as well – both of which, I am confident, will yield similar results.”
“Queens residents deserve bold thinking when it comes to improving transit access and connectivity across our borough, particularly for transit desert communities like the Rockaway Peninsula.” said New York City Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “I’m encouraged to see the continued analysis of the QueensLink proposal and the potential it could have to better connect communities from central Queens to the Rockaways.”
“Queens, especially Southeast Queens, has been a transit desert for far too long,” said New York City Council Member Ty Hankerson. “We cannot keep making it harder to drive in this city while at the same time giving people so few public transit options. QueensLink can help ease congestion, bring more revenue into the city, and help bring down the day-to-day cost of living for working New Yorkers. Isn’t that what we all want?”
“Improving transit connections in Queens is important, and proposals like QueensLink deserve careful review. I look forward to examining the findings of this report as the conversation about the future of the Rockaway Beach Branch continues,” said New York City Council Member Phil Wong.
*** CRIME BLOTTER **
DEFENDANT INDICTED ON HATE CRIME CHARGES:
Defendant Allegedly Said “F*ck Jews” Before Punching Victim in Face and Chest
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Eric Zafra Grosso was indicted on charges of assault as a hate crime and related crimes for allegedly attacking a rabbi, who was wearing a visible prayer shawl with fringes, walking at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard in Forest Hills on January 27. The defendant allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs immediately prior to the unprovoked assault which took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The defendant was slated to be arraigned on the indictment on March 18 but failed to appear in court. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested in Manhattan on March 27 and held over the weekend to involuntarily appear on the Queens case today.
District Attorney Katz said: “The defendant is indicted on the charge of assault as a hate crime. As alleged, he yelled ‘F*ck Jews’ before assaulting a rabbi completely unprovoked. He then did not show up for a mandated court appearance. We asked for and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Thank you to the NYPD for apprehending this defendant, who now remains in custody. Anti-Jewish bias still accounts for a significant share of hate crimes in our city, and my office will continue to take these cases with the utmost seriousness.”
Grosso, 32, of Corona, was arraigned on a grand jury indictment charging him with assault in the third degree as a hate crime, assault in the third degree and aggravated harassment in the second degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Germaine Auguste ordered the defendant to return to court on May 7. If convicted of the top charge, Grosso faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.
DA Katz said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on January 27, between 2:20 p.m. and 3 p.m., the defendant approached 30-year-old David Soussan at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard in Forest Hills. The victim, a rabbi in the Bukharian Jewish community, was wearing a visible prayer shawl with fringes, known as tzitzit, and walking to a nearby synagogue. The victim’s black fedora covered his yarmulke.
Grasso allegedly shouted “F*ck Jews” and punched the victim in the face and chest, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Grasso was arrested shortly afterward by members of the NYPD’s 112th Precinct inside the Forest Hills-71st Continental Avenue subway station.
KATZ ANNOUNCES PADLOCKING OF ILLEGAL CANNABIS STOREFRONT IN LAURELTON:
Ongoing Joint Enforcement Efforts with NYPD/NYC Sheriff Cannabis Task Force Resulted in Seizure of Over 700 Pounds of Illicit Cannabis Product and Five Arrests
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the closure of an unlicensed storefront cannabis dispensary operating out of two locations on Merrick Boulevard in Laurelton. A court-authorized search of the premises resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illicit cannabis and tobacco products as well as a machete and a total of five arrests. The enforcement efforts, dubbed Operation Weed Whacker, are part of an ongoing joint investigation with the NYPD/NYC Sheriff Cannabis Task Force to identify and shut down illegal cannabis operations across the borough.
District Attorney Katz said: “Unregulated cannabis storefronts continue to pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities, with operators going to increasingly sophisticated lengths to conceal illegal products and evade law enforcement. Many of the seized items are deliberately packaged to mimic popular candy and pastry brands and are clearly intended to attract and appeal to young people. I thank members of my Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau, Detective Bureau, Major Economic Crimes Bureau and our partners at the New York City Sheriff’s Office and the NYPD for their ongoing dedication to this work.”
DA Katz said that, on March 19, members of the Queen’s DA Detective Bureau, the 116th Precinct and the NYC Sheriff Cannabis Task Force executed a search warrant at two locations that were operating jointly as a single unlicensed cannabis dispensary at 217-09/216-17 Merrick Blvd in Laurelton. As alleged, the operators dispensed and stored cannabis products in one location that appeared to be a shuttered storefront. A second nearby storefront – with signage for a driving school – served as the main location for cannabis transactions with customers. Five defendants were arrested on-site and charged with varying crimes related to criminal possession of cannabis. A total of 300 pounds of cannabis flower, 95 pounds of cannabis vapes, 350 pounds of cannabis edibles, 312 pounds of illegal flavored tobacco vapes and 30 pounds of other tobacco products were seized from the location. This operation is part of the District Attorney’s ongoing effort to rid Queens of illegal dispensaries, whether operating out of trucks and vans or brick-and-mortar commercial locations.
Since November 2022, enforcement operations have resulted in the prosecution of 467 individuals for felony-related charges related to the sale and/or possession of cannabis or controlled substances in Queens. A total of 345 shops in Queens County have been padlocked since May 2024 through the assistance of the New York City Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD and the New York State Police Troop NYC – Queens Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
JACKSON HEIGHTS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KIDNAPPING, RAPE AND ASSAULT:
Defendant Kept Victims Captive in Car; Sexually and Physically Assaulted Them; Will be Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Andres Portilla pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, assault and criminal sex act charges for holding captive three young women in his car where he raped and assaulted them. The defendant held one woman – a minor – in the car for two months, beat her with a wrench and forced her to use a water jug for a toilet.
District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant carried out a reign of terror against three young women, two of them minors, while holding them captive in his car and raping and assaulting them. This case truly shocks the conscience. With yesterday’s plea, he will be sentenced to 40 years in prison. No one should have to endure this kind of torture. I thank the brave survivors for coming forward and assisting with the investigation of the case. We wish the women well in their continued journey toward a full recovery.”
Portilla, 31, of Jackson Heights, pleaded guilty yesterday to three counts of kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, two counts of rape in the first degree, rape in the second degree, two counts of criminal sex act in the first degree and assault in the second degree. The defendant pleaded guilty before jury selection was expected to begin for his upcoming trial. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant ordered Portilla to return to court April 15 when he is expected to be sentenced to 40 years in prison to be followed by 20 years of post-release supervision.
DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, in September 2022, Portilla invited one of his victims, a minor, to an apartment in Queens, where he held her captive and perpetrated both sexual and physical assaults against her resulting in permanent injuries. In November 2022, Portilla hit the victim on her head with a wrench, which shattered her right orbital bone. The defendant put the teen in a duffel bag and took her to his car, a 2008 Honda. He kept her captive, parked the car in secluded locations around Queens, and threatened to kill her if she left. He locked the teen in the trunk when he left the vehicle. The girl was forced to use a water jug as a toilet and was barely given food. He continued to both sexually and physically assault the girl for an additional two months until she was rescued by the NYPD.
While restraining the first victim inside his car, Portilla lured a second victim, also a minor, into the car, where he raped her. He released the teen the same day because she received repeated phone calls from her family. On January 1, 2023, Portilla lured a third victim into his car under the guise of allowing her to use a phone charger. Portilla held her captive for four days while sexually and physically assaulting her. She was released only after Portilla saw news reports about the woman’s disappearance. The victim made a report to the police and underwent treatment at a local hospital.
After an intensive investigation, police identified both the defendant and the car he was driving. A manhunt and vehicle chase ensued. Portilla was taken into custody on January 6, 2023. Portilla’s first victim was in the car and was taken to the hospital where she required months of treatment.
QUEENS MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON:
Defendant Forcefully Shoved Elderly Woman on Train Tracks, Causing Spinal Injuries
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Brandon Harris was sentenced to 15 years in prison for pushing an 82-year-old woman from the Flushing-Main Street subway platform onto the train tracks in October 2024. The woman suffered fractured vertebrae and other injuries in the fall. The defendant pleaded guilty this month to attempted murder.
District Attorney Katz said: “The safety of straphangers who rely on our mass transit system is not optional — it is essential. An 82-year-old woman was simply walking through a subway station when this defendant pushed her in between two train cars and onto the tracks. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries, requiring treatment for a laceration to her head and surgery to repair two fractured vertebrae. It is a miracle she survived. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who endanger our transit riders. The defendant will now serve 15 years in prison for his actions.”
Harris, 36, of Flushing, pleaded guilty earlier this month to attempted murder in the second degree in full satisfaction of the indictment against him. Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino sentenced the defendant today to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on October 2, 2024, the 82-year-old victim and her husband exited a 7 train at the Flushing-Main Street station and were walking on the platform parallel to the train to exit the station. As the couple was parallel to an open space between two train cars, Harris pushed the woman onto the tracks. He then left the platform and approached an NYPD officer in the station to say someone “got knocked” on the train. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of a laceration to her head and surgery to repair two fractured vertebrae.
Officers returned to the station later that day on a report of an emotionally disturbed person and Harris was transported to a local hospital. He was wearing the same sandals and shorts he had on during the incident and was later identified as the person who pushed the victim onto the tracks.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.