DUTCH KILLS CIVIC ASSN MEETING APRIL 9:
The next general meeting of the Dutch Kills Civic Association will be held on Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 pm at the Growing Up Green school, 39-27 28th Street. Joseph Ottomanelli from the NYC Sanitation Dept will be the guest speaker discussing the bin mandate going into effect on June 1. Officers from the 114th Precinct will give updates about happenings in the community.
QUEENS HOMEOWNERS MEETING APRIL 9:
The North Queens Homeowners Civic Association meeting notice: Thursday, April 9, 7:30 pm at the Lexington School for the Deaf, 25-26 75th Street, East Elmhurst (cafeteria, lower level). Guest Speaker: Michael Jacinto Carlier, Director of Community Boards, Office of the Queens Borough President.
ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS MEETING APRIL 15:
The Astoria Homeowners, Tenants & Business Civic Association will host a Sanitation and Safety Night meeting on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 pm at Pistilli Grand Manor, 45-02 Ditmars Blvd. Scheduled guest speakers are Iggy Azzara, Chief, NYC Department of Sanitation and Seth Lynch, Deputy Inspector, Commanding Officer, 114th Precinct.
RHBA MONTHLY COMMUNITY MTG APRIL 15:
The Richmond Hill Block Association monthly community meeting, with guest speaker Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, will be held on Wednesday, April 15, at 7:00 pm at 110-08 Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill.
CB 6 MEETING APRIL 16 (DATE CHANGE):
Community Board 6 will meet on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 pm, at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Second Floor, Kew Gardens.
RAJKUMAR ANNOUNCES FREE EVENT APRIL 16:
On Thursday, April 16 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar will partner with Ridgewood Savings Bank (Community Room, 65-01 Myrtle Avenue) to offer a Financial Literacy Workshop at the bank’s 65-01 Myrtle Avenue branch. The event, which falls during Financial Literacy Month, aims to provide community members with the tools they need to achieve financial stability and success. Event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
ACS RECOGNIZES APRIL AS NATL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH:
The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) joins the country in recognizing April as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Throughout the month, ACS will promote its dedicated Support Line (212-676-7667) so that New York City families know that, when they are in need, they can call for help with food, diapers, clothing or services like counseling, substance use treatment, domestic violence interventions and more. With the help of the Parks Department, ACS will also host several awareness events in local parks. Finally, ACS is teaming up with Scouting America, Greater New York Council to host a day of outdoor activities for children at the Alpine Scout Camp.
“This month, the Mamdani Administration is getting the word out that ACS is here to support New York families, even in the toughest situations,” said NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “For National Child Abuse Prevention Month, ACS is spotlighting its Support Line, which can connect families to resources like food, clothing, counseling, domestic violence interventions, and more. So many New Yorkers have received assistance from ACS, and we aim to spend the month of April letting more families know that help is just a phone call away.”
If you or a loved one is in crisis, or looking for mental health or substance use resources, contact 988. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 regardless of immigration or insurance status, in over 200 languages via call, text or chat online at nyc.gov/988.
“Every child deserves to grow up safe, and every family deserves access to the support they need to make that possible. ACS’s Support Line is exactly the kind of resource that keeps families together and out of the child welfare system — and I am extremely grateful to our partners at ACS for their proactive leadership in getting the word out about the comprehensive services that are available. Prevention is our best chance to give families the best possible outcomes, and that will remain our North Star when it comes to serving children and families,” said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, Chair, Committee on Children & Families.
HOCHUL DECLARES APRIL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH:
Governor Kathy Hochul today (April 1) issued a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New York, reaffirming the State’s commitment to supporting and empowering victims and survivors and preventing sexual violence in all its forms. State landmarks were illuminated in teal the evening of Wednesday, April 1 to recognize the month and the evening of Wednesday, April 29 to mark Denim Day.
“Sexual violence remains a deeply serious issue impacting individuals and families across our state. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and will continue to take meaningful action to strengthen our support systems and expand resources,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is committed to building safer communities where every New Yorker is protected and survivors are provided the resources they need to heal.”
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has advanced its commitment to victims and survivors of gender-based violence through nation-leading, survivor-centered investments and legislation. The FY27 Executive Budget proposal includes legislation to extend sexual offense evidence collection kit retention periods for survivors assaulted as children, give certain minors more authority over decisions related to their kits, and ensure that evidence isn’t destroyed without survivors’ consent. Current law requires that kits be retained for 20 years from the date of collection, which means that some survivors who were assaulted as children must make a decision while they are still recovering from the trauma of their assault.
Among the landmarks to be illuminated are: 1WTC, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall, and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
OPDV will partner with the New York State Office of General Services to host the New York State Denim Day Exhibit from Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 at the Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany, New York. OPDV will bring a mobile Denim Day Exhibit to Binghamton University on April 29.
The Denim Day movement started 27 years ago, after the Italian Supreme Court ruled that because a victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, implying consent. Following the ruling, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work in solidarity with the victim.
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the nation’s only Cabinet-level executive state agency dedicated to addressing gender-based violence.
New York’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24/7: Call: 800-942-6906; Text: 844-997-2121; and Chat: opdv.ny.gov.
ADDABBO PRESENTS FREE YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF MONTH:
To commemorate April as Stress Relief Awareness Month, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. will be hosting an interactive event providing instruction in yoga, Tai Chi and meditation to encourage mental health and stress management for residents in the district. It will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at American Legion Continental Post 1424, located at 107-15 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375.
“Stress affects so many aspects of our lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” Addabbo said. “In our busy, chaotic world, it is important to pause, relax and embrace selfcare. I am hopeful that what participants learn during this session will bring peace into their lives and make them better equipped to face challenges with a clear mind.”
In 2025, the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a survey called “Stress in America” and it found that most participants cited increased stress over the last five years with 75 percent of those stating that the stress manifested itself through physical and emotional symptoms.
During Senator Addabbo’s event, Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi of Forest Hills will share with participants how movement creates a sense of relaxation, lowers stress hormones and also calms the nervous system. Yoga and Tai Chi support the development of mindfulness and mental organization, decrease rumination, and lift mood. Gentle movements relieve muscle tension, improve posture and alleviate symptoms related to physical stress. Regular practice promotes autonomic balance (more rest-and-digest), which, in turn, supports emotional regulation.
Bayside Meditation will help the participants practice meditation and describe how the technique reduces stress through lowering cortisol and adrenaline. It also strengthens emotional regulation and stress resilience; increases attention, focus and mental clarity; improves relaxation, releases physical tension and promotes sleep and mood stability.
Those who complete the entire yoga, Tai Chi and meditation class will receive a coupon for a free class at Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi of Forest Hills and a coupon for one free class at Bayside Meditation (which can be conducted virtually).
WONG URGES DOB AND FDNY TO PAUSE BESS PERMITS:
Council Member Phil Wong is urging the New York City Department of Buildings and the FDNY to place a hold on permits related to the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 64-30 69th Place in Middle Village, following a letter sent on March 20th requesting additional safety and environmental review.
In the letter, Wong outlined concerns tied to a previously identified Recognized Environmental Condition at the site, as well as the property’s existing violations and its proximity to PS/IS 128, a daycare, and other community facilities. “My goal here is simple, make sure we get this right,” said Wong. “DOB and FDNY play a critical role in ensuring any project moving forward is safe for the surrounding community. Given the questions that remain about this site, it makes sense to take a step back and complete the necessary environmental review before any work proceeds.”
Wong’s request calls on the agencies to temporarily pause active permits and require a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to better understand subsurface conditions before construction advances. The letter also emphasizes the importance of coordination across agencies to fully evaluate potential risks, particularly given the nature of lithium-ion battery storage systems and the site’s location within a residential, school adjacent area.
As part of a broader effort, Wong has also reached out to state and federal partners seeking additional review and oversight, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct site characterization and evaluate potential remediation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to undertake a federal site assessment, the NYC Office of Environmental Remediation to consider environmental designation requirements, and federal public health officials to evaluate potential impacts on nearby schools and residents.
“This is about bringing every level of government to the table and making sure nothing is overlooked,” Wong added. “We all support safe and responsible energy solutions, but they have to be located and developed in a way that makes sense for the surrounding community.”
Wong noted that his office will continue working with city agencies, community stakeholders, and fellow elected officials as the review process moves forward.
NYPD ANNOUNCES MAJOR CRIME CONTINUED TO FALL:
Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that the NYPD delivered the fewest murders and shooting incidents for the first quarter of the year in recorded history. During the first three months of 2026, there were 54 murders in New York City, beating the previous all-time low of 60 murders set in 2018. The city recorded 139 shooting incidents in the first quarter, tying the all-time low of 139 set in 2025, the safest year in recorded history for gun violence.
Major crime continued to fall, down 5.3% citywide, led by the Bronx, which saw a 9.4% decrease. Burglary dropped 20.6% year-to-date, falling to the second-lowest level in recorded history. These historic reductions extended to the city’s public housing developments, where the NYPD delivered the safest start to any year in recorded history with the fewest murders, shooting incidents, shooting victims, and robberies.
“Three months into 2026, the NYPD continues to build on the historic progress we saw last year and drive down crime across New York City,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Citywide, major crime dropped with over 1,400 fewer reported crimes compared to 2025, murders and shootings reached their lowest levels ever recorded for a first quarter, and our public housing developments had the safest start to the year for gun violence in history. These results are driven by our precision policing strategy to go after guns, take down violent gangs, and put officers on foot posts where they are needed most. I thank the women and men of this department who take this strategy and relentlessly turn it into action on the ground.”
“The data we are releasing today should be encouraging to every New Yorker. The numbers tell a clear, indisputable story: our approach to public safety is working,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “These numbers speak to an NYPD using every lever at its disposal to deliver a safer New York City to all who call it home.”
MTA CHAIR STATEMENT ON DROP IN SUBWAY CRIME:
Statement from MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber on latest drop in subway crime reported by the NYPD: “The partnership between the State and City – with tremendous work by the NYPD – continues to dramatically improve safety for New York subway riders. The proof is in growing ridership and surging customer satisfaction reflected in our regular surveys.”
MAMDANI, CARDI B ANNOUNCE 2-K APPLICATIONS OPEN JUNE 2:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Bronx-born rapper, parent and former New York City Public School student Cardi B announced that applications for the City’s first 2-K program will open June 2 and run through June 26, 2026, marking a major step toward universal, free child care for two-year-olds.
Families will be able to apply for 2-K seats in school districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27, with offers released in August.
To build momentum ahead of the application opening, the administration is launching a citywide 2-K application jingle competition, inviting New Yorkers to submit original 15 or 30-second jingles encouraging families to apply. A panel of special guest judges will review submissions before New Yorkers vote to select a winner. The winning entry will become the official 2-K theme for New York City and play on the radio.
“As Cardi B says: “I can get ‘em both. I don’t wanna choose.” With universal child care, New Yorkers won’t have to,” said Mayor Mamdani. “For too long, families have been forced to choose between affordable care and staying in the city they love. Now, they can have both—free care in the greatest city in the world.”
“Child care is very important. Sometimes us women can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,” said Cardi B in the video announcement.
“The launch of 2-K marks an important milestone for early childhood education in New York City. Expanding access to early care and learning for two-year-olds helps children build strong foundations for language, social development, and learning, while supporting families during an important stage of their child’s development,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “This is an important step as we continue building a stronger, more connected birth-to-five early childhood system for New York City families.”
Submissions to the 2-K jingle contest can be made at nyc.gov/jingle. Submissions must be received by Friday, April 17, 2026. Full entry rules and guidelines are available at nyc.gov/jingle.
The 2-K program is New York City’s answer the urgent need for free, accessible child care for two-year-olds. Announced last month, the program will provide free child care to any family that needs it, regardless of ZIP code, income or immigration status. The program will launch this fall with 2,000 free seats and expand to universal access within four years. NYC Public Schools will share additional details, including final provider locations, with families and community partners in the coming weeks.
MAMDANI ON CITY COUNCIL’S BUDGET RESPONSE:
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement in response to the City Council’s preliminary budget response:
“Speaker Julie Menin’s preliminary budget proposal would result in slashing billions of dollars from agency budgets, which would force the City to cut services. Double counting previously identified savings, overestimating revenues, and exaggerating debt service savings does nothing to close a deficit.
“This $6 billion proposal asks Albany for just one action – class size mandate relief. It refuses to address the deeper structural imbalance between the City and the State, or to increase taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and most profitable corporations. It effectively ensures this structural deficit will continue indefinitely.
“Any proposal that claims we can close this gap without significant new revenue is unrealistic.”
SCHULMAN ON BUDGET HEARINGS:
Council Member Lynn Schulman gave an update on the city’s budget hearings: “As Chair of the Council’s Health Committee, I recently led a joint preliminary budget hearing alongside the Mental Health & Substance Use and Disabilities Committees, bringing together agency leaders, advocates, and stakeholders for more than 11 hours of testimony and discussion. These hearings are a critical part of the budget process, allowing us to take a close look at how our public health systems are functioning and where additional support is needed. Throughout the hearing, I focused on ensuring that vital programs and community-based organizations—many of which New Yorkers rely on every day—remain funded and accessible. I’m grateful to my co-chairs and Council staff for their partnership in facilitating a thorough and productive discussion, and I remain committed to advocating for a budget that protects and strengthens our city’s public health infrastructure.”
WONG CALLS FOR FISCAL DISCIPLINE IN BUDGET TALKS:
Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens), a member of the City Council’s Finance Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Council’s Fiscal Year 2027 Preliminary Budget Response:
“This budget conversation makes clear we need to get serious about how the City manages its finances. New Yorkers are already struggling, and a nearly 10 percent property tax hike would only make things worse for homeowners, renters, and small businesses. At the same time, using reserves to cover ongoing costs is not a long term solution. There are billions already identified through re-estimates and efficiencies in the Council’s response, and we should be seriously auditing our agencies, especially the DOE, and taking a hard look at no-bid and non-essential contracts before asking taxpayers to pay more. We need a budget that is responsible, transparent, and actually sustainable.”
HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 19:
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino: “Throughout the month, our office was proud to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with neighbors and community members, host an ACC Pet Adoption Event in partnership with Assemblyman Sam Berger at the Poppenhusen Institute, and work alongside local organizations to bring helpful resources and opportunities to residents. The Bayside BID hosted a Bayside Flooding Town Hall on March 23rd at Redeemer Lutheran Church, providing residents the opportunity to discuss concerns, share experiences, and explore solutions together. In addition, Queens Public Library (QPL) hosted a Prom Attire Drive, collecting prom dresses, tuxedos, and other formal wear so that QPL teens can celebrate their prom feeling confident, stylish, and supported at no cost. As we move into spring and look forward to longer days ahead, we remain committed to serving residents of all ages and ensuring District 19 continues to thrive through every season.”
1199SEIU ENDORSES GRACE MENG FOR CONGRESS:
Representative Grace Meng announced the endorsement of New York’s largest union and the largest healthcare union in the nation, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Their support reflects Meng’s decades-long record of fighting for working families, affordable healthcare, and the immigrant communities that make up Queens.
“Grace Meng has been a tireless champion for the working families, immigrants, and healthcare workers who make Queens run,” said Dell Smitherman, 1199SEIU’s New York State Political and Campaigns Director. “She understands that the fights happening in Congress — over Medicaid, over workers’ rights, over the cost of prescription drugs — are fights that directly affect our members. Grace stands up when we need an ally in Washington, and 1199SEIU is proud to stand with her.”
“1199SEIU’s members show up every single day to care for our neighbors, our parents, and our children,” said Rep. Grace Meng. “They are the backbone of this community, and it is the honor of my career to fight for them in Congress. Together, we will defend Medicaid, protect workers’ rights, and make sure that the people who care for all of us finally get the care and respect they deserve by making the 1199 Action Platform a reality.”
ADDABBO IN ALBANY FOR RALLY TO PROTECT MEDICARE:
Standing in support of NYC retirees, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., joined over 100 members of the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees for a rally on March 24th, at the historic Million Dollar Staircase in the New York State Capitol. Gathering at the rally were retirees, advocates, and lawmakers to raise concerns about rising healthcare costs, coverage instability, and the growing impact of Medicare Advantage plans on access to care. Senator Addabbo heard retirees who shared personal stories highlighting the uncertainty many now face after decades of public service.
“New York’s retirees upheld their end of the promise through a lifetime of service to our communities,” said Addabbo. “Now we, the legislature, have a responsibility to uphold ours and protect the retirees. These retired individuals should not be forced to shoulder higher costs or navigate increasing uncertainty in retirement. We need to take action to protect affordability, preserve access to trusted providers, and ensure the benefits they earned remain intact,” Addabbo concluded.
Rally attendees emphasized that many retirees are living on fixed incomes and cannot absorb additional financial burdens, including higher copays, unexpected medical bills, or disruptions to their care. Concerns were also raised about losing access to trusted doctors and established care providers under shifting coverage models.
“We should not balance budgets on the backs of retirees,” added Addabbo. “These individuals dedicated their careers to serving New York, and they deserve security, dignity, and reliable access to care in retirement,” argued Addabbo.
“As policymakers, we must act legislatively and through the budget process to honor our commitments and protect those who have given so much to our city and state,” Addabbo stated.
NEW EV CHARGING STATION IN FLUSHING:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn, and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced an expansion of the City’s network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers with the opening of a new eight-unit station at NYC DOT’s municipal lot in downtown Flushing (135-23 39th Avenue). This location is the first of 10 scheduled to come online over the next year through a partnership between NYC DOT and the Power Authority, which operates 300 fast chargers in its EVolve NY network throughout New York State.
The new fast charging station will support the City’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The station was sited in a community with limited access to affordable charging and a high concentration of drivers licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Fast charging customers will not be subject to additional parking fees on site. The station features eight 360kW chargers, capable of providing an 80% charge in 10-15 minutes.
“Clean energy infrastructure is the foundation of our City’s green future,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re bringing safe charging hubs where they’re needed the most: the neighborhoods our for-hire drivers call home. This Flushing hub will deliver affordability and sustainability, and I look forward to the continued expansion of our green energy network across the city.”
“I am glad to see our city expanding its network of EV chargers and doing so in my congressional district,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “These new stations will go a long way towards making EV ownership more practical for my constituents while ensuring a cleaner future in New York City. Thank you to the New York City Department of Transportation and New York Power Authority for working to increase our charging infrastructure.”
“As more New Yorkers see the environmental and economic benefits of going electric, it is important that we provide the infrastructure necessary to keep up with the demand and ensure accessibility,” said State Senator John Liu. “These new stations here in the heart of downtown Flushing and across Queens are an important step in the right direction, offering fast and affordable charging that allows drivers to reduce their emissions and make EV ownership a more practical option for all New Yorkers. I am looking forward to building on this progress with even more public charging options in the near future.”
“This new fast-charging station in Flushing is a critical step toward building a cleaner, more equitable transportation future for New York City. By expanding access to affordable, high-speed EV charging in communities with limited infrastructure and a high concentration of TLC drivers, we are making it easier for working New Yorkers to transition to electric vehicles while reducing harmful emissions,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. “Investments like this bring us closer to our climate goals and ensure that the benefits of a greener economy are shared across all of our neighborhoods.”
“Queens is firmly on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and leading that charge means fostering New York City’s transition to clean energy. We’re proud to be doing just that with today’s announcement of a new electric vehicle charging station in Flushing, with multiple other stations to come across Queens later in 2026,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Thank you to our friends at NYC DOT and the New York Power Authority for their partnership in getting these chargers installed, and I look forward to building out this critical infrastructure throughout The World’s Borough in the months ahead.”
“The transition away from fossil fuels will not happen on its own, rather it requires real investment in the infrastructure that makes cleaner alternatives practical and accessible for everyday New Yorkers,” said City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “That’s why the opening of this new fast-charging station in Flushing is so important. By providing drivers with a convenient, reliable and rapid way to charge their vehicles, we are removing one of the biggest barriers to wider EV adoption. This location is especially impactful in a community with many TLC-licensed drivers, who depend on their vehicles to make a living and need fast and affordable charging options. I look forward to seeing additional sites come online as we continue building a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city.”
“By expanding EV fast chargers in Sunnyside under the 7 train on Queens Boulevard, drivers and constituents will have access to affordable and rapid EV charging right in our neighborhood,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thank you to Commissioner Flynn and the New York Power Authority for making this direct investment in working-class New Yorkers, while working toward a greener, more equitable Queens.”
INTERBOROUGH EXPRESS – APRIL 2026 UPDATE:
In March and again on April 3, 2026, the MTA updated the MTA Interborough Express webpage. Here is a brief summary. In particular, the MTA has updated the IBX Timeline. As you may recall, the MTA has two contracts in progress, one for the required Environmental Review and the other—building on the first—to conduct the first stage of Design of the IBX line. The updated Timeline on the website includes:
Environmental Review
October 2025: Environmental Review process begins
November 2025: Scoping hearings complete with more than 500 public comments received
Fall/Winter 2026: Final scoping document issued; anticipated release of Draft Environmental Impact Statement and public hearing.
Design
July 2025: Engineer retained to commence IBX design
Spring 2026: Public engagement on design begins
Late 2026: Anticipated release of draft corridor design
2027: Continued public engagement on design
Currently the MTA is conducting a series of meetings with community boards along the IBX’s path in Brooklyn and Queens to share project updates, answer questions, and hear feedback. The dates and links to details for each meeting are provided on the MTA Interborough Express webpage.
The webpage concludes with “Next steps”:
“The design phase is expected to last about two years (2025-2027). During this phase, we will get a better understanding of the timing of future project phases, including construction. In parallel to the design work, we are also conducting the formal environmental review. A full analysis of potential impacts (e.g., noise, air quality, property) and mitigations will be identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which will be available for comment in fall 2026. There will be additional input opportunities in early 2027, once the draft preliminary design is released. IBX is still many years away from operation, but the project is steadily moving forward. The exact construction timeline will depend on the design details that are currently being determined and funding availability.”
PORT AUTHORITY OF NY AND NJ TO TEST NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT:
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s proposal to use its network of regional airports to test the use of cutting-edge electric aircraft has been selected as one of eight projects nationwide to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The eIPP is a first-of-its-kind federal initiative to accelerate the safe integration of next-generation electric aircraft into the national airspace system.
The selection, announced earlier in March by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the FAA, positions the Port Authority and its network of airports and transportation facilities as a central testing ground for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology. The proposal was developed in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, aerospace companies Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, Electra, Joby Aviation and Wisk Aero, as well as dozens of stakeholders spanning non-profits, data providers and fixed-base infrastructure operators. The agency’s proposal was chosen from more than 30 submitted nationally.
Advanced Air Mobility is an emerging technology sector with the goal of moving people and goods more efficiently within and between urban areas. With lower operating costs compared to traditional aircraft, AAM has the potential to reduce noise pollution, ease congestion, improve air quality, and connect communities that have historically lacked direct air access. Examples include electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can take off and land like a helicopter but operate more quietly and cleanly than conventional rotorcraft.
The Port Authority will coordinate eIPP activities across its airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, as well as existing heliport and vertiport infrastructure in New York City. Planned pilot activities include airport transfers, regional connectivity between general aviation airports, medical transport missions, cargo logistics, and noise evaluation, spanning urban, suburban, rural, and coastal environments. The operational experience and data generated through the program will directly inform FAA rulemaking and the development of national standards for AAM operations.
“New York’s airports are our gateways to the world, and for decades, they have been hubs of innovation in how we move people and goods,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “This testing program will set the stage for our world-class airports to boldly take on the next generation of flight, with cleaner and safer air travel making our skies more sustainable and bringing communities closer together.”
The agency has committed to exploring AAM’s feasibility and utility as the technology develops, with an eye toward improving regional mobility, reducing emissions and noise, and expanding transportation access across the region.
The Port Authority has worked to facilitate the development of sustainable and clean energy advancements across the aviation landscape as part of its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This includes entering into a strategic partnership with NASA to explore the next generation of flight in urban environments, expanding electric vehicle charging stations, developing New York state’s largest rooftop solar array at JFK’s New Terminal One, building the nation’s largest airport solar rooftop at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A parking garage, installing a solar array on JFK’s long-term parking Lot 9, and integrating a solar rooftop at LaGuardia Airport.
The agency is also committed to electrifying its light-duty vehicle fleet by 2028 and nearly all of its airport ground service equipment by 2035. The Port Authority also completed a full decarbonization retrofit of Newark Liberty’s historic Building One, serving as a blueprint for similar work at other legacy facilities across the agency.
QCH MOBILIZES FOR A MONTH OF ADVOCACY:
Throughout March, Queens Community House (QCH) led a coordinated, multi-generational advocacy effort across New York City and State, bringing staff, participants, and community members together to champion critical funding for programs that support working families and strengthen neighborhoods.
As city and state leaders shape their budgets, QCH ensured that the voices of Queens residents were front and center—advocating for sustained investment in youth development, workforce training, public spaces, and services for older adults.
“Queens in Motion: A Month of Advocacy” captured the breadth of this work, with QCH showing up at every level of government to deliver a unified message: communities must be seen, heard, and meaningfully invested in.
Standing with Students: Protecting Learning to Work (LTW)
On March 26, QCH staff and alumni joined students and partners on the steps of the Tweed Courthouse outside City Hall, calling on city leaders to restore and baseline $31 million for the Learning to Work (LTW) program in the FY2027 Executive Budget. The rally featured powerful testimony from young people whose lives have been shaped by LTW. Jaffari William Fox, a graduate of Voyages Preparatory High School, shared: “Before I joined the program, I was heading down the wrong path… This program gave me structure, purpose, access to opportunity, to mentorship, and to a vision of what my life could actually look like.” QCH operates five LTW high school sites, providing academic and emotional support, career readiness, and paid internships that help students build pathways to long-term success.
A Voice for Parks: Advancing Equity in Public Spaces
On March 23, QCH joined hundreds of advocates at a Play Fair Coalition rally ahead of the New York City Council’s Preliminary Budget Hearing on NYC Parks, urging the City to allocate 1% of its budget to parks. Alma Reyes, QCH Community Organizer, delivered testimony highlighting the essential role of parks—particularly Flushing Meadows Corona Park—in community health and equity: “For countless Queens residents, the park is where children play, elders stay active, vendors earn a living, and communities gather… When a park of this scale is underfunded, the message is clear: our communities are not prioritized.” Through its Neighbors in Action Initiative, QCH has mobilized volunteers for cleanups and community engagement, while continuing to advocate for long-term public investment.
Older Adults Raise Their Voices at Borough Hall
On March 10, older adults from QCH’s network of Older Adult Centers participated in the 3rd Annual Queens Aging Advocacy Day at Queens Borough Hall, hosted by Borough President Donovan Richards and organized by LiveOn NY. Participants joined advocates from across the borough to call for increased funding for services that support healthy, independent aging. QCH operates six Older Adult Centers, providing essential programming—from meals and fitness classes to arts and social services—that help older adults stay connected and thrive.
Advocating for Opportunity: YouthBuild in Albany
On March 24, QCH YouthBuild participants traveled to Albany for YouthBuild Advocacy Day, meeting directly with state leaders to advocate for continued investment in workforce development. Participants met with Assemblymember Larinda Hooks, who recognized the program before the Legislative Chamber, and with the office of Assemblymember Sam Berger, which reaffirmed its support for YouthBuild. QCH’s YouthBuild program serves young adults ages 18–24, helping them earn their high school equivalency diplomas while training for careers in the skilled trades and gaining industry-recognized certifications.
A Unified Call for Investment
Across all four advocacy actions, QCH participants—from high school students to older adults—demonstrated the power of community voice in shaping public policy. “From City Hall to Albany, our community showed what’s possible when people come together to advocate for the resources they need,” said Ben Thomases, CEO of QCH. “These investments are not optional—they are essential to the health, stability, and future of our neighborhoods.” As budget negotiations continue, QCH remains committed to ensuring that Queens communities are not only represented, but prioritized.
*** CRIME BLOTTER **
GUY RIVERA CONVICTED OF AGGRAVATED MANSLAUGHTER IN THE FIRST DEGREE FOR FATAL SHOOTING OF NYPD DETECTIVE JONATHAN DILLER
Defendant Faces Up To 90 Years To Life In Prison at Sentencing
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Guy Rivera was convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree and other crimes for fatally shooting NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller in Far Rockaway on March 25, 2024. The defendant was also convicted of first-degree attempted murder for attempting to shoot an NYPD sergeant at the scene. He was acquitted of murder in the first degree.
Detective Diller was an officer at the time of his murder and was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.
District Attorney Katz said: “The last words Detective Jonathan Diller told his wife were ‘I love you.’ Detective Diller was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department who put on a uniform every day to protect our city. On March 25, 2024, Guy Rivera chose to ignore these facts, chose to ignore multiple lawful commands and chose to shoot Detective Diller. After shooting Detective Diller, he tried to shoot in the chest Sergeant Sasha Rosen. This crime stole the life of a dutiful officer and a family man and endangered the life of a devoted NYPD sergeant. I thank the members of my Homicide Bureau for prosecuting this case. We continue to stand in solidarity with Detective Diller’s loved ones, Sergeant Sasha Rosen and all the brave men and women who protect our city.”
Guy Rivera, 36, of Long Island City, was convicted by a jury today of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. He was acquitted of murder in the first degree.
Trial openings occurred on March 10 and summations took place March 31. The jury deliberated for approximately eight hours before reaching a verdict. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set sentencing for April 27 when Rivera faces up to 90 years to life in prison.
DA Katz said that, according to the investigation and trial testimony, on March 25, 2024, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Detective Diller was on patrol in Far Rockaway with the NYPD’s Queens South Community Response Team (CRT). CRT Sergeant Sasha Rosen noticed a gun-shaped bulge in the front pocket of the defendant’s sweatshirt as Rivera exited a store on Mott Avenue with a second individual, Lindy Jones. Rivera entered the passenger seat of a 2016 Kia Soul parked in front of 19-19 Mott Avenue and Jones entered the driver seat. Detective Diller and the other members of the CRT team then approached the vehicle. Diller issued numerous commands to Rivera to roll down his window and step out of the vehicle, which the defendant ignored.
The driver, Lindy Jones, also refused an order to unlock the vehicle at which point CRT Officer Delio Fernandez reached into the car and unlocked it from the driver side control panel. Detective Diller then opened the passenger side door and instructed Rivera to exit the vehicle. Instead of stepping from the vehicle, Rivera reached into his pocket with his right hand, ignoring commands by CRT Officer Veckash Khedna not to put his hands in his pockets. Rivera then quickly drew a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his pocket and fired at Detective Diller, striking him in the abdomen below his bullet proof vest. After shooting Detective Diller, Rivera pointed his gun directly at Sergeant Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. Detective Diller wrestled the gun away from the defendant’s hand and then collapsed on the street from his injuries.
Detective Diller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he underwent multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgery but succumbed to his wounds several hours later. The bullet from the defendant’s gun severed Diller’s iliac artery, which caused internal bleeding.
During the incident, Officer Khedna fired two shots, striking the defendant in the left arm pit and right humerus in response to the defendant’s use of lethal force. Rivera was arrested on the scene and transported to Jamaica Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
On March 26, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the 101st Precinct obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle. The execution of the warrant led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the glove compartment. The firearm was found to be defaced, with the serial number scratched off. Rivera’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the gun.
Jones, 43, of Edgemere was arraigned April 16, 2024, on an indictment charging him with criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees. He was remanded into custody and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Jones is due back in court April 7.
WOODHAVEN MAN ARRAIGNED ON ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES:
Cat, Named Kitty, Partially Internally Decapitated and Suffered Multiple Fractures Throughout Body
Defendant Faces up to Two Years in Jail, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jalen Gonzalez has been indicted on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal mischief and other related crimes for killing his girlfriend’s cat, named Kitty, in January. The defendant allegedly pulled the cat by her head and leg and left the animal with a partial internal decapitation and other injuries.
District Attorney Katz said: “This animal endured one of the most gratuitously violent deaths that we have ever seen in the borough of Queens. As alleged, defendant Jalen Gonzalez was upset with his girlfriend and turned his ire on the woman’s pet, named Kitty. The cat was stretched to the point where her head was severed from her spine, and she sustained a crushed skull, fractured jaw and numerous other injuries. No animal or person should ever suffer this way. This is another horrifying example of why New York needs stronger animal cruelty laws to permit appropriate penalties in such cases.”
Gonzalez, 23, of Woodhaven, was arraigned today on a grand jury indictment charging him with aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, attempted assault in the third degree and harassment in the third degree. Supreme Court Justice Diego Freire ordered the defendant to return to court on July 21. The charges are not bail eligible under New York state law. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail.
DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, just after midnight on January 12, the defendant and his girlfriend, who was also a co-worker, were in the woman’s residence. Gonzalez allegedly became inebriated and refused to leave the home. The defendant then grabbed the woman’s leg and squeezed it. The woman pulled herself away, left the apartment and called a relative for help.
When the woman returned to her apartment with her uncle, Gonzalez was observed holding the woman’s cat by her neck and hind leg. The defendant was allegedly stretching the animal apart. Kitty’s back legs were mangled and broken, and the animal had blood on her mouth, head and body. Gonzalez’s shirt was saturated with blood, and both blood spatter and vomit were present on the ceiling, walls and floor of the room.
The defendant was arrested at the scene by members of the NYPD.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.