CB3 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING:
Community Board 3 will hold its Monthly Board Meeting IN-PERSON on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:00pm at the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights.
SPECTRUM NEWS AIRS BLACK HISTORY IN THE WORLD’S BOROUGH:
This Black History Month, Spectrum News NY1 shines a spotlight on Queens. Hosted by Cheryl Wills, “Welcome to Queens: Black History in the World’s Borough” airs Thursday, February 19th, at 9 PM. This hour-long special looks at the unique place of Queens in America’s Black experience. The special features: Interview by Errol Louis with Congressman Gregory Meeks; A profile at a first-of-its-kind HBCU high school opened in Jamaica in September 2025 through a partnership with Delaware State University, preparing students for college with the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree by graduation; Frank DiLella showcases the Black Spectrum Theatre Company, which has been serving Queens since 1970; Cheryl Wills visits the Louis Armstrong House Museum; Erin Billups talks about the vibrant history of Jamaica Avenue, near her childhood home, and its heyday as a home for shopping, culture, and music – including from people like LL Cool J, who used to sell his own mixtapes there; Interview with Queens rapper Consequence, who has worked with A Tribe Called Quest
“Welcome to Queens: Black History in the World’s Borough” airs Thursday, February 19th, at 9 PM on Spectrum News NY1.
114TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING:
The monthly meeting of the 114th Precinct Community Council will be at The Marquee Astoria at 25-22 Astoria Blvd. on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 PM. There will be a guest speaker, Mr. Bill Jorgenson, Queens District Attorney regarding Deed Theft Prevention.
LIU STATEMENT ON LUNAR NEW YEAR:
Senator John Liu stated the following about the start of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse.
“On this Lunar New Year, there is an urgent need to reflect on what truly makes America great. At a time when immigrants are increasingly being demonized and made to feel unwelcome, we are reminded that the promise of America rests not with those who dwell on bygone eras and cower from their neighbors, but with those who, like the horse, charge forward with the courage, curiosity, and determination to embrace whatever the future holds.
“We celebrate the generations of families who have brought their traditions, values, and hard work to this country, enriching our culture and strengthening our communities. The Year of the Horse shows us that America is at its best as a diverse society comprised of a great tapestry of cultures. On this Lunar New Year, we honor the long histories and contributions of all who have helped build this nation and continue to define what truly makes America great. Wishing all a peaceful, healthy, happy, and prosperous Lunar New Year!”
WON CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE HORSE:
Council Member Julie Won rang in the Year of the Horse at the City Council’s annual Lunar New Year celebration. “Thank you to the Council staff, performers, vendors, and guests for helping make this a special celebration for the AAPI community. We also honored Jeannie Park with a proclamation recognizing her service and dedication to our community. Jeannie has been a leader and executive across media, nonprofit, and advocacy spaces, uplifting Asian American and other communities of color. Currently, her work focuses on advancing collective philanthropy as a driver of equity and she serves as Board Chair of the Korean American Community Foundation.”
MAMDANI AND HOCHUL ANNOUNCE $1.5 BILLION TO HELP CITY:
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State will allocate an additional $1.5 billion in operating expenses over two years to help address New York City’s fiscal challenges.
This additional funding includes $510 million in recurring funding targeted towards costs that had shifted from the state to New York City under prior administrations, including approximately $300 million for youth programming, a restoration of $150 million in sales tax receipts that would have otherwise been retained by the state, and $60 million for public health. The remaining $500 million will be targeted to shared priorities to be determined in subsequent discussions.
“Working New Yorkers did not create this budget crisis and they should not be the ones to pay for it. After years of staggering fiscal mismanagement under the previous administration, our city deserves responsible and collaborative leadership,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “I am heartened by this budgetary progress and Governor Hochul’s partnership at this critical moment. This is what it looks like to begin a new, productive and fair relationship between City Hall and Albany – focused on delivering for working New Yorkers.”
“A strong New York City means a stronger New York State. This investment protects services and puts the city on stable financial footing,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “New Yorkers expect the state and the city to work together, and I’m proud to partner with the Mayor to deliver for working families.” Governor Hochul has increased support for New York City every year since taking office. This investment builds on her recent commitment to expand universal child care in New York City.
In recent weeks, the Mayor reduced New York City’s budget gap to $7 billion by deploying in-year reserves, committing to an agency savings plan, and incorporating higher-than-expected revenues. Together, the Mayor and Governor are forging a renewed partnership between City Hall and Albany focused on restoring fiscal responsibility and building a balanced budget that delivers for working New Yorkers.
BP RICHARDS UPDATE:
Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. toured the MTA’s paratransit facility in Jamaica on Tuesday, February 10 to learn more about how the MTA is working on delivering that for mobility-impaired Queens residents through Access-A-Ride and other methods. Every New Yorker, regardless of ability, deserves access to efficient public transportation and, therefore, access to the rest of the city.
Richards and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels toured Aviation High School on Thursday, February 12, to see for themselves the state-of-the-art education students receive there. The leaders also held a community conversation with students, staff and parents to discuss ways to even further enhance the school’s already elite, hands-on aviation and engineering programming.
MENG SECURES NEARLY $18 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS:
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which funds federal agencies, programs and initiatives, announced today that she secured nearly $18 million for 15 critical projects throughout Queens. This Community Project Funding is money that was included in new government spending bills that fund most of the federal government through the end of the 2026 fiscal year. The measures were recently passed by the House and Senate and have now been enacted into law.
“In just the last few years, I have been proud to bring tens of millions of dollars back to Queens from Washington and I’m thrilled to deliver millions more in this latest round of funding that I obtained for our borough,” said Congresswoman Meng. “From boosting public safety and improving education, the environment, and preparing our next generation for success, these funds will greatly benefit local residents. I will always keep up the fight for the communities I represent to ensure Queens continues to grow and prosper, and that we receive the needed federal money we deserve.”
Meng secured a total of $17,994,000 for the 15 projects. They include:
More than $3.1 Million ($3,150,000) for Queensborough Community College to build a childcare center.
$2 Million for the New York City Fire Department’s (FDNY) Squad 288/HazMat 1 firehouse in Maspeth.
$2 Million for the FDNY’s Engine 305/Ladder 151 firehouse in Forest Hills.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for Guardians of Flushing Bay to develop a floating Coastal Resilience Hub.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for the New York Hall of Science in Corona to develop and implement a range of research and programs that engage kids and adults with NASA’s planned Artemis III launch to the moon.
More than $1 Million ($1,040,000) for Queens College to expand its Tech Incubator.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for Queens College to provide technology, equipment and personnel for a new state-of-the-art cleanroom facility, serving as a critical hub for cutting-edge nanofabrication research.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for Queens College to create a Working Group for Digital Forensics that will focus on the study of data found on digital devices (computers, cell phones or stored on online servers) in support of law enforcement agencies in New York City
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to fund a Mobile Command Center in Queens
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for the NYPD’s Queens Explorer Program.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for NYPD license plate readers in Queens to help with locating stolen or wanted vehicles
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for the City of New York to provide public service information about using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to ensure individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive the support they need.
More than $1 Million ($1,031,000) for the King of Kings Foundation to fund crime prevention and community building strategies in Queens, benefiting youth, seniors and families.
$300,000 for the Queens District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit to address wrongful convictions.
$225,000 for the Boys’ Club of New York to provide science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programming in Queens.
The above funding that Meng obtained is a nearly $5 million increase from the last round of Community Project Funding she secured.
RAGA’S STATEMENT ON GIANARIS’ DECISION NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION:
Assemblymember Steven Raga released the following statement today (February 9) in response to Senator Michael Gianaris’ announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2026:
“Senator Gianaris has been a tireless advocate for working families in Queens, helping to strengthen tenant protections, champion affordable housing, and deliver key legislative wins for Western Queens. His leadership as Deputy Majority Leader and his commitment to public service has left an enduring mark on our state and on the communities he has represented. As this moment marks a transition in his political career, it also opens the door for new leadership and new voices to step forward. I am exploring a campaign for this seat and speaking with neighbors and local leaders as I consider how I can best serve our communities.”
TISCH DELIVERED HER 2026 STATE OF THE NYPD ADDRESS:
Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today delivered her 2026 State of the NYPD address, highlighting the department’s new strategies to keep New York City safe, invest in accountability and training, and modernize policing. Today’s announcement comes as the NYPD delivered the safest year ever for gun violence in 2025, with the fewest shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. Last year also saw major crime declines in all five boroughs, as well as the lowest index crime in the subways since 2009, excluding the pandemic years. “Together, we have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we say with renewed certainty that the state of the NYPD is strong,” said Commissioner Tisch. “A year ago, I set clear expectations for the NYPD. New Yorkers deserved a police department that was stable in its leadership, disciplined in its operations, serious about its standards, and focused relentlessly on public safety. I made promises to our cops, and to all the people we serve. And 2025 was about keeping those promises — and exceeding those expectations. In 2026, that doesn’t change. Our crime-fighting posture remains the same, the standards we hold ourselves to remain the same, and the commitment to support the noble men and women of the NYPD remains absolute.” Commissioner Tisch announced the following initiatives in her 2026 State of the NYPD address: Modernizing the NYPD’s 311 System; Digitizing NYPD Precinct Command Logs; Introducing DAS 2.0 for Real-Time Policing; Appointing Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Reverend A.R. Bernard as NYPD Co-Chief Chaplains; Naming the Police Academy in Honor of Detective Steven D. McDonald
LIU ANNOUNCES FREE MOBILE LUNG CANCER SCREENING:
State Senator John Liu today announced that free lung cancer screening services will be available in Bayside for current or former smokers through a Mobile Lung Health Screening Van later this month. The Mobile Lung Health Screening Van provides fast, painless lung screenings using a low-dose CT scan to capture detailed images of the lungs. The scan can also identify early indicators of blood clots in or near the heart and chest area.
Lung cancer accounts for one in five cancer deaths worldwide. Fortunately, early health screening can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, significantly improving chances of living a cancer-free life. State Senator John Liu said, “Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, and smoking continues to be a leading cause. By bringing free lung cancer screenings directly into the community, we’re making it easier for current and former smokers to take charge of their health. Early detection can help save lives, and this mobile van will help promote prevention, early intervention, and ensure our neighbors have access to potentially life-saving services.”
The van will be at the Korean Community Services Center on 203-05 32nd Avenue in Bayside on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration and insurance are required for lung cancer screening.
The Mobile Lung Health Screening Van is brought to the community with support from Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Imaging, the Irving Cancer Center at Columbia University, Community Board 11, and the Northwest Bayside Civic Association. Individuals not covered by insurance may qualify for alternative support through WeilL Cornell Medical Center. To learn more, call 646-962-LUNG (5864).
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Appointments are required to participate in the screening. To schedule, please call 646-962-LUNG (5864), or visit Getcheckedny.org, or register using the QR code on the attached flyer. For additional information, contact their office at 718-765-6675, or email events@johnliusenate.com.
STAVISKY HOSTED VALENTINE’S MOBILE OFFICE HOURS AT SENIOR CENTER:
Senator Toby Ann Stavisky recently joined her staff at a Mobile Office Hours event at the International Towers Senior Center in Jamaica, bringing state services directly to local residents and sharing Valentine’s Day cards collected from students across the district. As part of the visit, the Senator’s office distributed handmade Valentine’s Day cards created by students from schools throughout the district. The cards were shared with seniors at the center as a small gesture of appreciation and intergenerational connection. “As an educator, I have always believed in the importance of connecting generations,” said Senator Stavisky. “The handmade Valentine’s cards from students at JHS 194, PS 193, PS 184, PS 94, and BELL Academy brought real joy to our seniors. It was wonderful to see the smiles and to feel that sense of community.”
In addition to the card distribution, the Mobile Office Hours provided seniors with an opportunity to speak directly with the Senator and her staff about government services, benefits, and any concerns they may be experiencing. “My office is here to serve,” Senator Stavisky added. “Mobile Office Hours allow us to meet residents where they are. Whether someone needs help understanding a notice, resolving a problem with a state agency, or simply has a question, we want them to know they are not alone.” Senator Stavisky remains committed to supporting older adults throughout the district by improving access to services, protecting affordability, and ensuring seniors have a direct line to their state government.
WONG STATEMENT ON PROPOSED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FACILITY NEAR PS/IS 128:
Council Member Phil Wong issued the following statement regarding reports that Nine Dot Energy may be moving forward with a lithium-ion battery facility near PS/IS 128:
“I am aware of reports that a lithium-ion battery facility may be moving forward near PS/IS 128. While my office is still seeking official confirmation, the possibility of this type of facility in a residential area is deeply concerning. The proposed location is directly across from PS/IS 128 and next to a school annex, a children’s fun house, a daycare, and an animal hospital. Families and neighbors have every right to be alarmed. I stand with the community. I stood with residents at a rally last year, and I continue to stand with them today. My office has raised concerns and identified alternative locations in appropriate industrial areas, but those options have not been meaningfully considered. The reality is that policies pushed by the Adams Administration through the City of Yes have opened the door to proposals like this in residential neighborhoods. I am a plaintiff in litigation challenging City of Yes, but that alone does not stop projects already moving forward. It is especially troubling to hear reports that certain self-described community leaders may be back-channeling with special interests for personal or political gain at the expense of the broader neighborhood. Residents deserve transparency and honest representation. I will continue pressing for a solution that respects the community and directs this type of facility to an appropriate industrial location.”
ADDABBO STATEMENT ON S.9155 NO VOTE:
“Today, I voted no on S.9155 dealing with the distance a cannabis dispensary can be measured from a school or house of worship, because one of my greatest responsibilities as a legislator is protecting the health and safety of our children. While I understand the intent behind this legislation, I remain concerned that it doesn’t properly address the issue of accessibility and visibility of cannabis products in areas where young people congregate. I believe we could have taken additional steps to protect minors from the presence of dispensaries, like by including parks and playgrounds to schools and houses of worship when determining the restrictions of new sites. While this bill seeks to clarify how distance requirements are measured between cannabis dispensaries and schools or places of worship, a ‘door-to-door’ standard and grandfathering certain locations could weaken the intent of existing safeguards.
“In my district, many schools have multiple entrances and access points, making it difficult to ensure that cannabis retail locations are truly a safe and appropriate distance away from where children enter and exit school grounds each day. Limiting measurements to specific entrances may unintentionally create gaps in protection and increase the risk of cannabis products being more visible and accessible in areas frequented by young people. I believe the distance should be measured from the property line of the school closest to the proposed cannabis dispensary.
“These concerns are underscored by a report issued by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on February 2, 2026, which found that drug-related incidents in schools statewide are on the rise. I wholeheartedly agree with Comptroller DiNapoli’s statement that we need to do everything we can to make sure students and teachers feel safe.
“Our responsibility is not just to regulate cannabis, but to do so in a way that prioritizes public safety and prevents the normalization and accessibility of these products to minors. That is why I have introduced legislation, S.1244, which would further strengthen restrictions and ensure cannabis remains out of reach of children by reinforcing commonsense buffer zones and accountability measures.
“As cannabis legalization continues to evolve, we must take a careful and deliberate approach. I remain committed to advancing policies that protect our communities, support responsible regulation, and most importantly, safeguard the well-being of our children.”
WILLIAMS ON AFFORDABILITY IN THE ARTS:
Following Monday’s City Council Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries hearing on affordability in the arts and cultural sector, Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams is elevating the urgency of addressing affordability across the field, an industry that contributes billions to New York City’s economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in every borough.
Arts and culture are a significant economic driver in New York City. The sector sustains employment across a wide range of roles, including performers, teaching artists, technicians, administrators, designers, and the neighborhood-based organizations that anchor cultural life locally. Yet the financial pressures facing this workforce, rising housing costs, escalating rents for studios and performance spaces, and growing expenses tied to health care, insurance, and transportation, are increasingly outpacing the realities of project-based work and fluctuating income.
“For too long, the idea of the ‘struggling artist’ has been treated as an inevitable feature of creative work,” said Deputy Speaker Williams. “That narrative has helped normalize instability in a sector that produces enormous economic value for this city. When affordability pressures intensify, the result is not simply strain, it is displacement, attrition, and the steady narrowing of who can afford to participate in New York’s cultural economy.”
Recent analyses reinforce this concern from complementary vantage points. Vital City’s work on affordability and job quality examines how rising costs and uneven wage growth are reshaping economic mobility across New York City. The Center for an Urban Future, in its recent report on affordability challenges in the arts and cultural sector, documents that more than 300,000 New Yorkers work in creative occupations and details how mounting pressures around housing, workspace, and benefits are narrowing who can sustain a career in the field. These findings converge on a clear reality: affordability is altering the composition and stability of the cultural workforce, even as the sector continues to generate significant economic value for the city.
Witnesses described rising housing and workspace costs, increasing operating expenses, and funding systems that require organizations to absorb financial risk before reimbursement. Taken together, these conditions limit long-term planning, destabilize employment, and make it harder to sustain free or low-cost cultural programming that many New Yorkers rely on.
“Affordability in the arts has to be understood as a structural issue,” Williams said. “When work is project-based, and income fluctuates, rising costs have a disproportionate impact. The question is not whether arts and culture matter to this city, we know they do, but whether the people who make this sector function can continue to build dignified, stable lives here, and whether New York remains a place where creative work is viable across income levels and neighborhoods.”
Looking ahead, keeping affordability in the arts central to the city’s policy and budget conversations will be critical. Addressing the issue will require sustained attention, clearer alignment between public investment and real-world conditions, and ongoing engagement with the Department of Cultural Affairs to ensure that cultural programming remains accessible and rooted in communities across the five boroughs.
HOCHUL HIGHLIGHTS PROPOSALS TO BRING DOWN COSTS OF AUTO INSURANCE:
Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted her proposals to bring down costs of auto insurance rates and tackle fraudulent claims across New York State. The Governor is taking common-sense steps to battle fraud, limit damages paid out to bad actors, and ensure that consumers, not insurance companies, are prioritized. These proposals build on Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to make the state more affordable and put money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers.
New Yorkers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation — totaling just over $4,000 annually on average, nearly $1,500 above the national average. Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflating everyone’s premiums by as much as $300 per year on average according to some estimates.
Increasingly sophisticated actors stage elaborate accidents, designed to allow for “jackpot” payouts from insurance companies or jury awards, and these scams are becoming more prevalent. In 2023, there were 1,729 staged crashes in New York State, which ranks second highest in the nation for incidents of staged fraud. In total, insurance carriers reported 43,811 incidents of suspected motor vehicle insurance fraud to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Insurance Frauds Bureau in 2025. This is up from 24,238 incidents of suspected motor vehicle insurance fraud from 2020, an 80 percent increase in five years.
JAMES URGES CONGRESS TO PASS SENATE’S KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT:
New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 39 other attorneys general today called on Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S. 1748, to protect children and their data. In a letter to congressional leaders, Attorney General James and the coalition urged Congress to reject the House version of the KOSA bill, H.R. 6484, which includes preemption language that would undermine existing state laws to protect children, such as New York’s SAFE for Kids Act championed by Attorney General James. Attorney General James and leaders in other states have advanced laws that promote online safety for minors, and the House bill would limit the states’ ability to address evolving online harms in the future. The coalition is calling on Congress to mirror the Senate version of the bill in the House to protect children online.
“Our young people continue to struggle with their mental health because of harmful social media features, and states are already addressing those challenges,” said Attorney General James. “New York and other states should be able to continue to advance strong legislation to keep children safe online. That is why I am joining a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues to strongly urge congressional leaders to reject the House KOSA bill and pass the Senate version to keep children safe.” Social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, which has led to worse mental health for young people. Increasing evidence demonstrates that social media companies are aware of their products’ negative effects on underage users’ mental health, yet they have chosen to persist in these practices. Many states have passed legislation to strengthen protections for children online, such as New York’s SAFE for Kids Act, which limits addictive feeds for minors and protects children’s data from being monetized.
Attorney General James and the coalition urge Congress to pass the Senate version of the KOSA bill because it:
Preserves states’ authority to enact laws, rules, or regulations that provide greater protection for minors;
Includes a requirement for social media companies to act with reasonable caution to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others; and
Expands the list of social media harms to include suicide, eating disorders, compulsive use, other mental health harms, and financial harms.
The coalition asserts that these changes will help create a safer online environment for our children.
MEEKS’ RESOLUTION TERMINATING TARIFFS ON CANADA PASSES HOUSE:
Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement after successfully forcing and winning a House vote to terminate Trump’s national emergency declaration and tariffs on Canada: “Last year, American families paid nearly $1,700 more as a direct result of Trump’s tariffs. The price of goods from Canada rose by as much as 35%, while U.S. exports to Canada fell by 21%, further harming U.S. small businesses and farmers. The American people sent us to Congress to lower their cost of living, not drive it up.”
NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONVENTION:
The New York State Conservative Party Convention successfully concluded its 2026 Nominating Convention where Conservative leaders from across New York gathered with strong enthusiasm to officially nominate, designate, and authorize the Party’s statewide slate of candidates.
“The excitement and unity at this convention proves Conservatives are ready to fight back against Governor Hochul’s failed leadership and the disastrous far-left agenda coming out of Albany,” said Conservative Party State Chairman Gerard Kassar. “New Yorkers are tired of watching their friends and family flee this state because it has become too expensive, and with communism at our doorstep in New York City, the threat is real. This is our chance, and our year, to save the future for our children and grandchildren. New Yorkers are demanding leadership that will restore public safety, protect taxpayers, bring common sense back to state government, and most of all, make New York more affordable.”
The Conservative Party’s 2026 statewide slate includes: Bruce Blakeman for Governor; Todd Hood for Lieutenant Governor; Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General; Joseph Hernandez for Comptroller.
35th ANNUAL GREEK AMERICAN BUSINESS EXPO:
The 35th Annual Greek American Business Expo will take place on April 29, 2026 at Grand Marquis, 1550 US-9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. Pre-Registration Required. www.hermesexpo.com
QEDC ANNOUNCES FREE WEBINARS:
Get business from NYC and NYS Government: M/WBE Certification February 18 at 6:30 pm. Learn about getting certified as a Minority/Woman-owned Business Enterprise with New York City and New York State, what you will need to do to obtain government contracts, and how you can leverage your certification to get more business at this free online webinar.
Join QEDC on Wednesday, February 25 at 2:00 PM for the first of several special financial education webinars presented by Finli, in partnership with Flagstar Bank – free for NYC small business owners. This first session tackles the fundamental challenge that causes more business failures than any other: cash flow management. Attendees will learn how to distinguish between profit and cash flow, build systems to predict and manage their cash position, and create the financial stability needed to weather uncertainty and pursue growth opportunities.
Learn more at QEDC’s website: https://www.queensny.org/
OCASIO-CORTEZ ENDORSES BRIAN ROMERO FOR NY STATE ASSEMBLY IN AD34:
Today, Congressional Representative for NY-14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Brian Romero for NY State Assembly in AD34. This endorsement shows community, progressive, and democratic socialist support consolidating behind Romero right as the petitioning period is set to begin. In a statement, Brian Romero said: “I’m incredibly honored and proud to receive the endorsement of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in my campaign for New York State Assembly in District 34.
MENG INTRODUCES LEGISLATION ADDRESSING USE OF DEADLY FORCE:
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, announced the introduction of the Uniform Standards for Federal Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would place into law a clear use of force policy for federal law enforcement.
This legislation would codify the Justice Department’s own Deadly Force policy, found in the Department’s Policy on Use of Force which was updated in May 2022 and adopted by law enforcement agencies across the federal government. This bill would set equally high standards and ensure accountability for federal law enforcement officers, including immigration officers, any time they used force that led to the loss of human life.
“Department of Homeland Security agents are terrorizing schools and small businesses, racially profiling people, tearing children from their parents, and killing Americans. Congress cannot allow them to continue to operate this way without real oversight or accountability, and Democrats have come to the table with proposals that both safeguard everyone’s constitutional rights and protect public safety,” said Congresswoman Meng. “The tragic shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, along with the lack of transparency and dishonesty from both DHS and DOJ, have shown that politically motivated agency leaders cannot be trusted and that Congress must set clear guardrails. As the top Democrat of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, the bill I am introducing supports these reasonable proposals by turning the DOJ’s existing deadly force policy into law. This should not be controversial. I am prepared to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that this commonsense reform becomes law.”
This legislation would help address use-of-force standards that House and Senate Democratic Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer highlighted in their letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, which outlined Democrats’ demands in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill currently under negotiation.
The House Appropriation Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies oversees funding for several federal agencies, including the Department of Justice.
HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $17.2 MILLION TO COMBAT ILLEGAL DRONE USAGE:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that through the federal Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, four New York public safety agencies involved with the security of the 2026 FIFA World Cup events received more than $17.2 million to protect against the threat of the illegal use of drones. The C-UAS Grant awards funding which can be put toward the purchase of equipment and systems that help state and local agencies to detect, identify, track, monitor and/or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems that pose threats to public safety.
“With the evolution of technology comes new ways it can be used to harm others,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will go a long way to keep New Yorkers safe while allowing historic events like the 2026 World Cup and our nation’s 250th birthday to be celebrated safely and securely.”
For Fiscal Year 2026, $250 million in competitive federal funding was made available for eleven states that are either directly or indirectly hosting events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the National Capital Region which is hosting events around the celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day. The remaining $250 million in funding will be made available in Fiscal Year 2027.
Four agencies throughout the state were awarded funding: New York State Police (NYSP) $6,649,007; Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) $2,605,539; Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) $1,500,000; New York City Police Department (NYPD) $6,460,721.
As part of her 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced she would be developing a comprehensive plan for drones. As drones become more widespread and capable, they pose growing risks to public safety, critical infrastructure and the public. Current laws limit the State’s ability to restrict where drones can operate, respond quickly when drones are used maliciously or dangerously, or test and utilize effective counter-drone technologies.
HOCHUL HIGHLIGHTS GROWING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL COPS, LOCAL CRIMES ACT:
Governor Hochul today hosted a roundtable with law enforcement and elected officials to announce growing support for the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, which would prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE for federal civil immigration enforcement. Joined by more than a dozen district attorneys, county sheriffs, police chiefs, and county executives from across the state, the Governor highlighted her commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe by ensuring local police are focused on fighting local crime.
In the last two weeks, additional law enforcement and elected officials from across the state have expressed support for the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act. The legislation would eliminate 287(g) agreements, barring state and local police from acting as federal agents or using taxpayer-funded resources or personnel to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. It would also prohibit federal agents from using local detention centers to house civil immigration detainees. The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act would not prevent police from working with ICE or other federal law enforcement to apprehend dangerous criminals.
“Today I heard from a bipartisan group of law enforcement and elected officials about the importance of keeping our police resources focused where they are needed most – in our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why I have proposed common sense legislation to send a clear message: New York will not tolerate flagrant abuses of power by ICE carried out in the name of public safety.”
Last month, Governor Hochul introduced the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, a series of comprehensive legislation to protect New Yorkers, strengthen constitutional safeguards, and prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE for federal civil immigration enforcement. The Governor was joined by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox and more than a dozen district attorneys, county sheriffs and police chiefs.
In New York, 14 law enforcement agencies including 10 County Sheriff’s Offices, one County Police Department, and three Municipal Police Departments are currently operating under various 287(g) agreement enforcement models. If enacted, this legislation would void all existing 287(g) agreements across the state.
The Governor’s proposal builds on recent legislation introduced as part of her State of the State agenda to protect the constitutional rights of New Yorkers from federal overreach and hold federal agents accountable for unconstitutional action, and to ensure sensitive locations including New Yorkers’ homes are protected from civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
ROZIC HOSTED THE QBG IN ALBANY:
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D—Fresh Meadows) hosted the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) in Albany for a special meet & greet with the Queens Delegation. “Queens Botanical Garden is a critical gem in the heart of Queens, bringing our whole community together,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. I am proud to represent it and continue to fight to ensure that they have the support and resources they need to grow, thrive, and serve all Queens residents.”
“As the Chair of Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development Committee, I am proud to continue supporting the Queens Botanical Garden as they serve our constituents while attracting new visitors from all over the world. I am grateful to all of my Queens colleagues for their commitment to invest in the garden,” said Assemblymember Ron Kim. “I’m so grateful for the support of our New York state elected officials, especially Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. They all know how important Queens Botanical Garden is to so many people in our community and they are helping to provide the resources we need to serve more people and take the Garden to the next level,” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Executive Director, Queens Botanical Garden.
ADDABBO ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is pleased to announce that the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is now accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic. Scholarships are available to residents of the 15th Senate District who are current college students or high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form. The application deadline is Monday, March 16.
“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in Senate District 15 who have worked hard, distinguished themselves from their peers, and intend to pursue higher education,” stated Addabbo. “With college costs continually rising, scholarships can help to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply,” Addabbo added.
Applicants should have a grade point average of 85 or higher, be active in community service and extracurricular activities, and demonstrate financial need. In addition to these qualifications, students applying for an athletic scholarship must also be involved in an organized sport(s). Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply. Scholarship recipients selected by an outside independent review board will be announced in April. The winners will be recognized and presented with their scholarship award at a ceremony in Albany on Monday, May 18th.
The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators is a bipartisan organization of state Senate and Assembly members who actively promote and celebrate the state’s Italian American community.
HOCHUL RALLIES FOR LET THEM BUILD AGENDA:
Governor Kathy Hochul today rallied with local leaders to highlight her “Let Them Build” agenda, a series of landmark reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure development and lower costs as part of her 2026 State of the State. This initiative will spur a series of common-sense reforms to New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and executive actions to expedite critical projects that have been consistently found to not have significant environmental impacts, but for too long have been caught up in red tape and subject to lengthy delays. Together, these actions will make it easier to build the housing and infrastructure that localities want. The Governor’s proposal has now secured the backing of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the New York State Association of Towns (NYAOT), and the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), along with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and dozens of other local elected officials from communities across New York.
“For far too long needless, outdated red tape has stood in the way of the housing and infrastructure that New Yorkers need to address the housing crisis and make life more affordable in communities across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is a place defined by our boundless ambition — we are a state that builds. It is time that we cut the red tape that too often slows down projects and let communities build, so we can offer all New Yorkers the more affordable and livable state that they deserve and attract new residents who want to call New York home.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, “We cannot address our housing crisis without making it easier to build housing in New York City. Environmental review reform would bring our regulations into the 21st century and ensure we can deliver an affordability agenda on the timetable needed. I commend Governor Hochul for this commonsense proposal and hope it will be a part of the enacted state budget this year. New Yorkers can’t wait any longer for action on housing.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “Our city and state face a generational housing crisis that endangers countless families living on the sharp edge of homelessness, and we must leave no stone unturned in order to protect, preserve and rapidly build affordable housing. That is exactly what these reforms put forth by Governor Hochul will do by removing the red tape that has contributed to this crisis by unnecessarily delaying and blocking construction. I commend the Governor for putting forward her comprehensive Let Them Build initiative, and I am proud to partner with her in this effort.”
New York City Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said, “New York is in the midst of a housing crisis, and we must find ways to meet the housing needs of working New Yorkers. Governor Hochul’s proposal to streamline outdated processes is an important step toward reducing unnecessary delays and costs. As these reforms move forward, it is essential that we continue protecting our environment, preserving community input, and ensuring new development creates meaningful affordability and wealth-building opportunities for working families.”
*** CRIME BLOTTER ***
BRIARWOOD MAN INDICTED ATTEMPTED ASSAULT ON NYPD OFFICER:
Faces up to 15 Years in Prison, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jabez Chakraborty was indicted by a grand jury and arraigned on charges of attempted assault and weapon possession for advancing on an NYPD officer while holding a large kitchen knife.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, the defendant tried to attack a police officer while holding a large knife, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, and then forcibly pushed through a door the officer was using as a shield to protect himself. The officer then discharged his weapon and hit Jabez Chakraborty four times. As prosecutors, we are duty-bound to follow the facts, evidence, and circumstances where they lead us, including in cases that have a mental health component. These decisions, however, must be thoughtful, deliberative, and based on the expertise of mental health professionals. Dispositions can take vastly different forms, and I will use the resources of my office to address the unique needs in this case while upholding my responsibility to keep this borough safe.”
Chakraborty, 22, of Briarwood, was arraigned today before Queens Supreme Court Jessica Earle-Gargan on an indictment charging him with attempted assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Justice Earle-Gargan ordered the defendant to return to court March 11. Chakraborty faces up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on January 26, at approximately 10:25 a.m., a 911 call was placed by one of the defendant’s relatives reporting that the defendant was throwing glass inside the family home. When two NYPD officers arrived at the home, they were let inside by a family member. The officers saw Chakraborty in the kitchen and the defendant then grabbed a large knife and started walking toward them. The defendant allegedly advanced toward the officer and changed his grip on the knife to flip the blade upside down while winding his right arm back. The officer backed up and closed a door separating the home’s foyer from the living room. The defendant allegedly opened the foyer door and continued toward the officer, who fired four times at him. The officer instructed Chakraborty to put the knife down at least eight times before discharging his weapon.
The defendant was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he has been receiving treatment since the incident.
DEFENDANT EXTRADITED FROM SOUTH KOREA TO FACE CHARGES FOR 2002 MURDER:
Defendant Allegedly Stabbed Two 22-Year-Old Victims Inside Apartment; One Died; Defendant Fled Country; Apprehended Overseas December 8
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Ho “Alex” Shin was extradited from South Korea and arraigned on indictment charges of murder and related crimes for fatally stabbing 22-year-old Hyun Dae Kim in January 2002 inside an apartment in Flushing. The defendant is also charged with attempted murder for stabbing another 22-year-old victim in the apartment who survived the attack. Shin allegedly fled the country shortly after the attack and was arrested in South Korea by local authorities in December 2025. He was extradited to New York yesterday.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, 24 years ago, this defendant unleashed a brutal and senseless attack inside a Flushing apartment, repeatedly stabbing two young men and taking one of their lives. He then almost immediately fled the country in an attempt to evade accountability. No matter how much time passes, we do not give up on our victims and their families. Through steadfast collaboration with our federal and international law enforcement partners — including authorities in South Korea — my Extraditions Unit and Homicide Bureau located the defendant abroad and secured his return to Queens.”
Shin, 43, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with two counts of murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Supreme Court Justice Jessica Earle-Gargan remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on February 17. If convicted, the defendant faces 50 years to life in prison.
DA Katz said that, according to the indictment and investigation, on January 6, 2002, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the victims went to a female friend’s apartment, along with the defendant, after a night out. The defendant briefly left the apartment, called his co-defendant, who was 16 at the time, and told him to bring two knives. A short while later, Shin and his co-defendant burst into the apartment and began stabbing Hyun Dae Kim multiple times over a perceived instance of disrespect that took place earlier in the night. When the victim’s friend, Hyun Suk Yu, tried to intervene, the defendant stabbed him as well. Shin and his co-defendant immediately fled the scene. Hyun Dae was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The second victim survived.
Investigators determined that the defendant told acquaintances that he had stabbed someone and needed to get out of town. The District Attorney’s office and the NYPD have been trying to locate the defendant ever since. On December 8, Shin was arrested in South Korea. He was extradited to New York yesterday.
The District Attorney extends her deep gratitude to our federal law enforcement partners. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Ministry of Justice and law enforcement partners in the Republic of Korea to secure the defendant’s arrest and extradition. Shin was escorted from South Korea to New York by the U.S. Marshals Service.
NINE DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN DISASTER RELIEF SCHEME:
Defendants Submitted Applications on Behalf of Fake and Defunct Companies Claiming Hardship Due to COVID-19, Transferred Business Loan Funds to Personal Accounts and Wired Portion of Money to Accomplices
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced that nine defendants pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in pandemic relief funds intended to help small business owners suffering hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the plea, the defendants have been ordered to make restitution payments totaling more than $1 million.
District Attorney Katz said: “These nine defendants admitted to stealing thousands of dollars in state funds intended to support struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were critical to helping New Yorkers survive an unprecedented crisis. As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants are now required to make restitution. I thank my office’s Frauds Bureau and the New York State Inspector General’s Office for their partnership in holding them accountable.”
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said: “Exploiting disaster relief funds for personal gain is both criminal and shameful at any time, but particularly during a global health crisis. Thank you to the dedicated team in my office, District Attorney Katz and her colleagues, and our law enforcement partners for securing today’s guilty pleas and million dollar recovery of taxpayer money. New York will not stand for putting greed above the public good.” The nine defendants pleaded guilty on various dates between May 2025 and February 2026, to grand larceny in the fourth degree and petit larceny in Queens Supreme Court and were ordered to make restitution payments totaling $1,091,720, $760,000 of which has already been remitted to New York State.
DA Katz said that, according to the investigation, beginning around June 2020, each of the nine defendants submitted multiple applications for the New York State Empire Development Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program on behalf of numerous small business corporations. Each loan applicant certified that the funds were needed to cover business expenses such as payroll, commercial rent/mortgage payments, utilities and/or supplies. Most of the loan money received by the defendants was almost immediately transferred into their personal bank accounts. An extensive review of business bank records associated with the nine defendants and the corporations involved did not indicate any business activity prior to receiving the grant proceeds and did not reflect any revenue or expenses listed on the tax returns submitted with the original grant applications.
The New York State Inspector General began the investigation into the misuse of loan funds and referred the case to the Queens District Attorney’s Office in May 2024. Upon learning of the charges pending against them, the defendants separately surrendered to the Queens District Attorney’s office between May 6 and May 9, 2025.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.