Glendale Honors Sacrifice and Community at Annual Memorial Day Parade
Borough President Hosts Opioid Overdose Awareness Event
— 463 purple ribbons at Queens Borough Hall represent the number of Queens residents who lost their lives to overdose in 2023 —
On Monday April 28th at Queens Borough Hall the Queens Borough president Donovon Richards Jr. and Samaritan Daytop Village honor the Queens residents who lost their lives to Opioid overdoses in 2023. The event was a sea of purple ribbons to represent those that lost their lives. As of the last decade deaths from opioid overdoses have soared. In 2023 3,046 died from overdoses in New York City according to data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2023, 463 residents of Queens died from an overdose.
At the event, Peer Recovery Professionals from Samaritan’s Peer Alliance Recovery Centers (PARC) spoke about the importance of harm reduction tools and strategies, including the life-saving medication Narcan. Byron Summers, one of Samaritan’s peer professionals, shared his personal experience with substance use and recovery. If you or someone you know is seeking recovery support in Queens, you can reach Samaritan Daytop Village’s PARC Queens program at (929) 244-1445.
The CEO & President of Samaritan Daytop Mitchell Netburn talks about the ribbons and what they represent. “Every one of the 463 purple ribbons placed here today represents a person who mattered—someone who laughed, loved, and was loved,” said Netburn. Samaritan Daytop has a program that reduces harm reduction for over 60 years to find recovery through treatment for addiction. They share strategies to reduce harm. “Home to our headquarters and 18 of our program sites, Queens has always been at the heart of our work. We are deeply committed to helping its residents on their recovery journeys. We are grateful to our government and elected partners who join us in this fight–together, we know we can end the overdose crisis.” he says.
The Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr talks about the impact of the Opioid crisis and how it has impacted Queens. “The scourge of opioid addiction has taken a terrible toll on Queens, with so many precious lives being snuffed out much too soon,” said Richards Jr. “Fortunately, we have an organization like Samaritan Daytop Village that is working to address this crisis through its comprehensive treatment of substance abuse disorders. Thanks to Samaritan Daytop Village, there is hope for a better life for all those who are trapped in the depths of drug addiction.” he says.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Today, we gather to honor the lives lost to a devastating crisis that continues to impact our community. We must stand united in our efforts to expand access to life-saving resources like Narcan and invest in comprehensive addiction treatment and prevention programs. Every life lost is a call to action — and together, we can turn the tide on this epidemic and offer hope and healing to those in need,” said Addabbo, Jr.
New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Every life lost to overdose is one too many. Today’s gathering is a solemn reminder that behind every ribbon is a neighbor, a family, and a future cut short. I’m grateful to Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners for their tireless work to prevent these tragedies. Together, we must continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts that meet people where they are and ensure no family faces this crisis alone,” said Comrie.
With Funding being cut for these programs assembly member Jessica González-Rojas highlights just how important these programs are to reduce the impact of the opioid crisis “Many New Yorkers are struggling with substance use disorders and suffering unnecessarily. With an administration cutting critical funding for lifesaving healthcare, we have to do more for our neighbors. New York is experiencing higher than national rates of opioid overdose deaths, for example. According to the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a fatal overdose occurs every three hours, resulting in eight deaths a day, and that’s just in New York City. And we know this epidemic is impacting Black and Brown people at a higher rate than others. Today is such an important reminder that we have to keep fighting for the lives of New Yorkers. My bill, A069 enacts the Opioid Stewardship Fund, which will ensure that the state is investing in recovery services, while A6554 ensures transparency of how $2.6 billion received through a settlement is spent. The lives of New Yorkers are not bargaining chips. It is time we put New Yorkers first and build a better, healthier society,” said González-Rojas.
Assemblyman David I. Weprin comments “Queens continues to face a devastating surge in overdose fatalities, driven largely by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. We must confront this crisis by increasing funding for mental health and substance use disorder services along with investing in long-term recovery resources,” said Weprin.
Speaker Adrienne Adams “Substance use disorders can tear people away from who they are and those they love, and it’s up to our government to provide a system of care so that people can get help,” said Adams. “Each purple ribbon represents a son, daughter, a loved one whose life was cut too short. We must approach this crisis with solutions that center harm reduction, prevention, and treatment, and expand access to community-based care, especially in communities across Queens that are disproportionately affected by overdose deaths. As Speaker, I am committed to working with partners across government to present meaningful and holistic solutions that can curb this crisis.” she says.
Council Member, and Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions Linda Lee “The opioid overdose crisis is a devastating public health epidemic that has claimed too many lives in our city—including 463 of our Queens neighbors in 2023 alone,” said Lee. “With data showing that a New Yorker dies from a drug overdose every three hours, we must lean on community partners like Samaritan Daytop Village, whose dedicated, on-the-ground efforts are helping lead the way out of this crisis. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to prevention and rehabilitation programs for the New Yorkers who need them most.” Lee says.
Council Member Lynn Schulman, “As Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I am committed to ensuring we address the overdose crisis with compassion, urgency, and evidence-based solutions. Every life lost to overdose is a preventable tragedy, and we must continue expanding access to harm reduction resources like Narcan, treatment services, and community-based support. I stand with Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners in the fight to save lives and build a healthier New York,” said Schulman.
Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams “Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that ripples through families and neighborhoods. The work of Samaritan Daytop Village isn’t just about recovery; it’s about building a system of care rooted in compassion, access, and responsibility. In a city where too many families are grieving in silence, their commitment to prevention, support, and healing is essential. I’m grateful for the space they create where dignity and care are prioritized, and people are met with respect, not judgment,” said Williams.
Councilwoman Vickie Paladino “Opioid overdose awareness is a critical issue that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds.Each life lost to this crisis leaves families heartbroken and communities deeply impacted. It is essential that communities across the city—including right here in Queens—address this growing epidemic with urgency and a commitment to raising awareness and providing support for those at risk,” said Paladino.
PARC Peer Professional Jacqueline Roman, “Every life is worth saving and everyone deserves a chance. Given the right circumstances, everyone can thrive. We need to meet people where they are and help them stay healthy,” said Roman.
“Get connected and stay connected,” said Summers.
The Ridgewood Jazz Festival Takes the Neighborhood by Sound
By: Zachary Weg
Zweg@queensledger.com
The Ridgewood Jazz Festival dazzled the neighborhood over the weekend.
Started by award-winning jazz bassist, Michael Feinberg, the festival was in its inaugural edition and displayed a range of musical talent. For Feinberg, an Atlanta native who’s been a Ridgewood resident for a decade, the event was especially meaningful.
“I had some experience doing curating, artistic directing festivals before, and I had been booking my own groups for two decades,” he says. “So I kind of just took all of those skills and put it into the creation of an organization called Ridgewood Jazz, which is not just this festival. We do other events in the neighborhood, and it’s a community thing. Y’know, I spent 20 years on the road and so, now, it’s nice that I get to walk to my gig.”
In addition to Dada Bar on Myrtle Avenue, the festival primarily took place at Trans-Pecos on Wyckoff Avenue. A verdant venue, with plants hanging from the rafters and a spacious backyard, it was a fitting space for the relaxed atmosphere of the festival. It also served as a respite for Feinberg after months of preparation for the program.
“I’ve been working on this since October,” he says. “You obsessively, 24/7 are doing things for this festival, thinking, researching, making calls and emails, and all of this stuff. So when it finally…here it is, y’know, we had a countdown on the website. 72 days away, 60, and I’m just staring at it, like, ‘We have how many days left?’”
For the festival’s lineup, Feinberg sought musicians who defied easy categorization. “I tried to keep a pretty varied program,” he says. “We have all different types of artists who are in the ‘jazz’ spectrum. Jazz is one of those words that has really no specific meaning. So, when you say ‘jazz’ to someone, are they thinking about Miles Davis or Kenny G? Are they thinking about Stan Getz plays Bossa Nova’s?
“Are they thinking about Preservation Hall, Louis Armstrong, or Count Basie? These are all jazz. What’s cool is that almost none of the artists are playing similar styles of music, but they all are encapsulated in the umbrella of jazz. So that was really important. Diversity is really important.”
Feinberg continues, “Having as much music, and bringing different audiences together, so some that are more straight-ahead jazz fans, some that are maybe more avant-garde, some that are maybe into more electronic, some that are into Latin Jazz. We wanted to bring all of those different audiences under one roof, into one neighborhood. So there’s something for everybody, and hopefully you get turned on to a new artist that you didn’t even know about.”
One such artist is the twenty-four-year-old Montenegrin singer, Maša Vujadinović. Opening the festivities Saturday night, Vujadinović stunned attendees with her shattering soprano. Playing songs off her forthcoming EP, the musician delved into a kind of folk-jazz. She plays both the guitar and keyboards but it’s her elastic voice that makes her a revelation.
Playing a few feet away indoors was someone quite different: the Nate Wood ‘Four,’ the number referring not to a quartet but rather the different instruments Wood played. Holding a guitar behind a drum kit and maneuvering some synthesizers as he sang, the musician played pulsating electronica that got audience members dancing.
Then, among several other performers during the weekend, there was headliner, Karriem Riggins. A Detroit native who was a close friend and collaborator of the late hip-hop savant, J Dilla, Riggins is a drummer who has played with everyone from Ray Brown to Earl Sweatshirt. An alchemist of jazz and hip-hop, he is particularly special to Feinberg and was tapped by him to front the festival.
“It’s just an honor to play the festival,” Riggins says. “Every time I play in New York, it’s special. To be a part of this festival, and to see the hard work that he’s [Feinberg] put into it, I’m honored to be a part of it and for the people to come and receive it.”
As Feinberg, who would proceed Saturday night to play a sizzling set with Riggins, concludes, “Hopefully, in six months, in a year, or in five years, we see that this is inspiring other creators, producers, venues, and audiences to come here. What we don’t want is for these corporate venues…because, now, Ridgewood is getting popular, that you’re going to have a Live Nation venue that comes here and kind of ruins our community. Great, so now we have a concert venue that we’re bringing huge artists to, but that also is disenfranchising the people who are already here that make this neighborhood great, that make this scene happening.”
Tax Lien Sale Puts Brooklyn and Queens Homes on the Line
Courtesy Freepik
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
With less than three weeks until New York City’s first tax lien sale since the
pandemic, thousands of homeowners—particularly in Brooklyn and Queens—face
potential displacement from properties where many have lived for generations.
On May 20, the city will auction off the liens on properties with outstanding debts
for taxes, water bills, or emergency repairs. The move could set thousands of
working- and middle-class homeowners on a fast track to foreclosure. Notices were
mailed two weeks ago to property owners included in the sale, triggering a 30-day
countdown that housing advocates warn is especially dangerous for low- and
moderate-income (LMI) New Yorkers and communities of color.
In response, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods (CNYCN), a city-funded nonprofit,
has launched a full-scale outreach campaign to connect at-risk homeowners with
resources that may help them avoid the sale.
“This is basically the way that New York City collects debt on delinquent… property
taxes, water debt, or HPD emergency repair liens,” said Kevin Wolfe, Director of
Outreach and Public Affairs at CNYCN. “What basically happens is… those who are on
the tax lien sale must be notified… We are less than 20 days away from the lien sale,
basically. And we are… at the final stretch, trying to make sure that the homeowners
who are on the lien sale are able to get off.”
The sale, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
executive intervention by state officials, has returned in full for the first time in four
years. Advocates like Wolfe say its structure unfairly burdens small homeowners.
“Homeowners make up a disproportionate amount of those that are on the lien
sale,” Wolfe said, pointing to city data showing that while they represent 18% of the
total debt, their properties comprise about 42% of those included in the sale.
Homeowners with even modest debts—many under $5,000—can lose their homes if the lien is sold and they are unable to resolve it. “Once it’s at that stage, then you
have a lot fewer options and a lot fewer rights,” Wolfe warned.
The burden also falls disproportionately on Black and Latino communities. “Black
homeowners are six times more likely to be on the lien sale than white
homeowners. Hispanic, Latino homeowners are twice as likely,” Wolfe said. “Those
same neighborhoods that were redlined are the same neighborhoods that have the
highest concentrations of liens in 2024.”
Courtesy CNYCN
In response, CNYCN has organized nearly 50 outreach events across the five
boroughs, particularly targeting Southeast Queens and central Brooklyn—two areas
with the highest concentrations of at-risk homeowners. These events offer on-the-
spot help from legal, housing, and financial counselors, and are free to homeowners
through funding from the New York City Council.
The organization is urging anyone who received a 30-day notice to act immediately.
“Even if you’re reading this article the day before the lien sale, call us,” Wolfe said.
“We basically say it’s not too late. I know that it’s a scary situation. A lot of people
don’t even want to open the mail… but we will do our utmost to provide assistance
and get you off the lien sale.”
One critical option is the city’s “Easy Exit” program, which can remove eligible
homeowners from the lien sale list for a year while they work to resolve their debt.
“Most people do qualify—if your household income is about $107,000 or less, you
can be pulled off the lien sale,” Wolfe explained.
Other options include payment plans with reduced interest rates, property tax
deferral through the Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PTAID) program, and
permanent exemptions for seniors or people with disabilities.
CNYCN is also warning homeowners to be vigilant against scammers. Because the
lien sale list is public and includes contact information and debt amounts, it’s
become a gold mine for predatory actors. “They’ll offer to buy your air rights, or say
‘we’ll help you get this resolved,’ and then just take their money… It turns out that
they’re signing over their deed,” Wolfe said, noting that central Brooklyn—one of
the hardest-hit areas—is also a hotspot for deed theft.
For assistance, CNYCN encourages homeowners to call its Homeowner Hub at 646-
786-0888, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dial 311 and
request help with a tax lien. More information is also available on the group’s
website, including a tax lien tracker that visualizes the sale’s disproportionate
impact across the city.
Community Icon Helen Sokol Marks 103 Years in Queens
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Helen Sokol turned 103 this year, and as with each passing milestone, she was
surrounded by friends, family, and fellow community members at the Frank
Kowalinski Post No. 4 in Maspeth, where she was honored once again for her life of
resilience, service, and warmth.
Born in 1922 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Sokol has lived through a century of
change and history — much of it from her longtime home in Queens, where she
settled nearly 80 years ago. The daughter of Slovak immigrants, she arrived in New
York in the 1940s, first staying in Middle Village before moving to Elmhurst with her
late husband, Emil. The couple raised three sons and now have two grandchildren.
At this year’s celebration, representatives from Councilman Robert Holden’s and
Senator Joseph Addabbo’s offices presented Sokol with certificates recognizing her
contributions to the community and congratulating her on her remarkable
longevity.
Councilman Holden’s office praised her enduring commitment to civic engagement,
with staffer Phil Wong presenting her a Certificate of Recognition. “I am presenting
this to Helen from the Councilman Robert Holden’s office,” Wong said. “This
Certificate of Recognition presented to Helen Soko on her service to our
neighborhood and for her one hundred and third birthday celebration.”
A representative from Senator Addabbo’s office echoed those sentiments. “Senator
Joseph Addabbo recognizes and congratulates Helen’s uncle on the occasion of 100
and third birthday,” he said.
Sokol, who is known for her sharp wit and love of swing music, spoke candidly
about aging and the struggles she’s encountered recently, particularly with
healthcare.
“Turning 103… it’s a big change,” she said, reflecting on the shift she noticed in her
health after turning 102. She shared a frustrating experience with physical therapy
for vertigo, describing poor communication and inadequate treatment. “At least I
learned a little bit,” she said. “I’m trying to do things by myself now.”
Despite recent challenges, Sokol remains deeply engaged in her community. For decades, she’s been a member of the women’s civic organization that meets at the
Post, dating back to its original location on Seabury Street. The group, now
supported by the AARP, continues to serve local churches and address community
needs through regular meetings and outreach.
“I think the women who attend here genuinely enjoy it because they feel they can
speak their minds and see it lead to positive change,” Sokol said. “It’s a friendly
place.”
This year’s event was not just a birthday celebration, but a reaffirmation of Sokol’s
legacy — one rooted in family, service, and a sense of humor that remains intact.
A Woodside food pantry giving back to the community
Sierra Ryan
News@queensledger.com
Ernestine Smith runs a food pantry along with a group of volunteers in Woodside Queens. Every
Friday Smith and volunteers would stand outside with a table packing bags for those in need.
Whether that would be hot food, cold food, socks, underwear or Easter baskets for the kids Smith
is dedicated to helping those that need it.
Smith started out as a member of an organization called the National Hook-Up of Black Women
where she noticed there was an increase in homelessness in the area so she decided to take
action. “I was scrolling through social media and a blessing bag had popped up on my timeline,
people were making blessing bags in other states and I thought that was a great idea” Smith says
“I brought it to the lady and because it involved going out and dealing with homelessness and
mental health they were kinda against it so I started to do it on my own. I started purchasing
things and making bags on my own and handing them out of my car.”
Smith was then able to expand and bring her blessing bags to different boroughs until the
pandemic hit. After that was over she went back to Harlem due to the high level of
homelessness. Her son Mariam convinced her to start doing a food pantry in Woodside since
that’s where she has lived for 39 years. Smith “Then my son said to me a year and a half ago
mom you serve every other community but you lived in woodside but you don’t know the
residents so I think it would be dope if you bought a food pantry here and when I got back from
Africa I started a food pantry here.”
Smith was inspired by her mother. Growing up in South Jamaica Queens in the 70’s during the
food stamp era many lower income communities were often affected by drugs. When Smith was
younger her mother would do things to help the community. Smith and her siblings would often
go to food pantries to pick up supplies and her mother would cook food to feed the whole
neighborhood. One particular example is during Mothers day her mother would help mothers
that were addicts get dressed up for church. This way their kids could see them in a positive
light. “For every mothers day she would fix the mothers up even if they were on drugs or
whatever their situation was she would make sure they would have a wig and she would do their
make up and make sure they had a dress and she would fix them up and go to church. So if their
kids did not see them in a good space any other time in their life they know that Mothers day or
New Years or any holiday my mother would always make sure the kids would have a good
experience for that day.”
Smith has a history of health issues including a heart monitor but despite that Smith can’t stand
to sit in the house and do nothing “I’m not supposed to be doing any of this. I’m really supposed
to be home resting and not doing anything stressful or strenuous but being home drives me crazy
and my only good space is my pantry. ” Smith says.
Since Smith is not funded she hopes that she can get funding from the government soon. As of
now the funding comes from Smith herself along with small donations from friends and family.
Smith is currently using credit cards to pay for Uhaul trucks to pick up food. “My hope is that I
can be funded by the government and have a drop in center where I can provide washing
machines, showers, computers, maybe temporary bedding for domestic violence,” She said. “I
would like to have parenting classes for teenage mothers and parenting classes for teenage fathers I would like to have public assistance come out and sign people up for medicaid or food
stamps housing and we need vehicles”
To follow updates on the pantry Smith has a Tiktok tikka714_ and a facebook page Marians love
4 all inc.
Borough President Richards Outlines Bold Plans in Annual Address
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In his third annual State of the Borough address, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. delivered an ambitious and determined vision for the future of the borough. Speaking before a full house at the Queens Theatre on April 25, Richards reviewed his administration’s progress over the past year, emphasizing key initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, social services, and environmental sustainability.
The address kicked off with a heartfelt performance of the Star Spangled Banner by students from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders, starting with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who took the podium to express his admiration for Borough President Donovan Richards and the vibrant Queens community. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also addressed the crowd, praising Queens as a microcosm of America, with its rich blend of cultures and immigrant stories. Williams commended Richards for his deep understanding of the borough’s complexities and challenges.
The evening continued with a performance of Summer Wind by the renowned RIOULT Dance New York, before Speaker of the NYC Council, Adrienne Adams, delivered a pointed critique of the Trump administration. Adams emphasized the importance of standing firm in Queens to protect New Yorkers, underscoring her partnership with Richards in “Trump-proofing” City Hall. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also spoke, thanking local officials and the community for their support in tackling crime. She highlighted efforts to dismantle gangs, remove illegal weapons from the streets, combat human trafficking, and educate the public on scams, ensuring the borough remains safe and resilient.
Richards began his speech with a sharp critique of federal policies, particularly those under former President Donald Trump, which he argued posed significant threats to the people of Queens. “Now we’re going to do things a little differently this year, no fluff, no rhetoric, because we don’t have time to play games.” Richards said. “The state of our borough is precarious, Queens is under attack. Our wallets, our families, our futures, our values, our way of life.” His defiant tone set the stage for the rest of the address, where he emphasized the borough’s resilience and diverse strength as the key to overcoming these challenges.
Immigration and Social Services
Richards highlighted his administration’s efforts to protect and support Queens’ immigrant communities, underscoring initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” workshops held in Corona and Queens Borough Hall, as well as resource fairs in Flushing. His office’s Immigration Task Force continues to connect residents to essential services, including legal and community support.
Notable investments included:
Make the Road Community Center: $1.8 million to support this Corona-based center, which provides legal services, childcare, and educational opportunities for local residents.
Variety Boys and Girls Club: An additional $5 million toward expanding this Astoria-based facility, following a previous $5 million investment in 2020.
River Fund Center: $3 million allocated for Richmond Hill’s nonprofit that provides food pantry services, SNAP enrollment assistance, and more.
Arverne East Aquatics Center: $46 million secured from the state, alongside an additional $36 million from city and borough funds, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility for the community.
Richards also discussed the planned $132 million Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, with $15 million allocated for renovations to the existing facility.
Borough President Richards also pointed to the significant strides already being made to address the swimming disparity gap, citing recent investments in public swimming pools in underserved neighborhoods. He specifically mentioned the allocation of resources to build and refurbish pools in locations where they are most needed, such as in the communities of Far Rockaway and South Jamaica. These new and renovated facilities will serve as vital community hubs, offering swimming lessons, water safety programs, and recreational opportunities for youth and adults alike. Richards emphasized that these pools are not just amenities—they are life-changing investments that equip residents with critical skills, promote physical activity, and enhance community cohesion.
Education Initiatives:
Richards focused on education as a cornerstone of Queens’ future, highlighting the $25 million allocated this year for Queens public schools, including the creation of new culinary arts kitchens at several schools. His administration also secured funding for:
$1 million to renovate P.S. 177Q, a special education school in Fresh Meadows.
Construction of a new 547-seat elementary school in Long Island City and a 700-seat annex at Forest Hills High School.
The opening of Motion Picture Technical High School and the upcoming Northwell School of Health and Sciences.
Since taking office, Richards has directed over $78 million in capital funding for school improvements.
Economic Development and Job Creation:
On the economic front, Richards detailed the progress of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport, including the $100 million refresh of Terminal 5 in partnership with JetBlue. This project, expected to create over 15,000 jobs, is a significant part of the borough’s broader economic growth strategy. Richards also noted that over $1 billion in contracts from the JFK redevelopment have been awarded to Queens-based businesses.
The Global Tech and Innovation Center, located at One Court Square, also received attention, with $5 million in funding for its development. Richards is committed to making Queens a hub for tech startups and innovation, a goal reinforced by the success of the borough’s annual Queens Tech and Career Expo.
Healthcare Investments:
Queens’ first standalone cancer center at Jamaica Hospital, funded with $180 million in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Richards shared a poignant story about his grandmother, who was forced to navigate an inadequate healthcare system that ultimately failed her. He vowed to continue advocating for people in similar situations, ensuring that no one is left behind due to systemic inequities. His commitment to improving the borough’s healthcare infrastructure stems from a deeply personal place, as he understands the critical importance of accessible, quality care for all, particularly those in underserved communities.
The groundbreaking of a $30 million Gotham Health Clinic in Rockaway Village, slated to serve over 19,000 patients annually by 2027.
The expansion of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s labor and delivery unit, currently under construction. Richards also addressed the troubling maternal and infant mortality rates in Queens, particularly among Black women, who experience higher rates than any other demographic group. He emphasized that the borough’s new $30 million labor and delivery unit, under construction at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, is a vital step toward addressing this inequality. No woman, Richards argued, should have to leave her community to receive the care she deserves during one of the most important moments of her life. The new facility will offer comprehensive care to expectant mothers, helping to reduce these disparities and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants in Queens.
Since taking office, Richards has allocated $36 million toward improving healthcare facilities across the borough.
Environmental and Energy Initiatives:
In the realm of environmental sustainability, Richards emphasized his administration’s commitment to green infrastructure, citing more than $44 million invested into parks across Queens, including major upgrades at Cunningham, Brookville, Baisley, and Juniper Valley parks.
Champlain Hudson Power Express, which will bring hydroelectricity from Canada to Queens starting in 2026.
The transformation of the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City into a renewable wind energy facility, which is expected to power 700,000 homes.
Richards also pledged $5.2 million for hydroponics labs in Queens schools and continued expansion of the borough’s Open Streets program.
Transportation Improvements:
Richards provided an update on several key transportation initiatives, including the upcoming $30 million Queens Bus Network Redesign, set to take effect in June, which will improve service on 20 bus routes and introduce 17 new routes.
Another major transportation project is the $5.5 billion Interborough Express, which will link Queens to Brooklyn, cutting commute times and benefiting millions of riders annually.
Affordable Housing:
Richards also reviewed the borough’s progress on affordable housing, noting the following developments:
Willets Point Development: Phase one, which includes 2,500 affordable units, a new school, and public park space, is slated for completion in 2026.
The One LIC Plan, which would add 14,000 affordable housing units in the Queensboro Bridge area, entered the public review process in April.
Arverne East: A community that has already seen hundreds of families move into newly built affordable housing units.
Beach Green Dunes III: New affordable housing units in Far Rockaway, with 116 units launched in a recent housing lottery.
Looking Forward:
In his closing remarks, Richards urged Queens residents to stand united in the face of national challenges, asserting that their collective strength would continue to drive the borough’s success. “I choose you, Queens. I choose the borough that builds riches, not burns them. I choose the borough that opens its arms to the world, not closes its doors to it,” he said.
Dermot Smyth: A Year Later, Ready to Lead District 30
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Nearly a year after announcing his candidacy for New York City Council District 30, Dermot Smyth is reflecting on the progress he’s made and the road ahead. Smyth jumped into the race early, eager to bring his experience as a longtime educator and labor advocate to the forefront of local politics. Now, with the election approaching, the democratic candidate is focused on expanding his support and addressing the concerns of his community, which he’s spent years serving through his work with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
Born to Irish immigrant parents, Smyth has spent over 25 years as an educator and is currently the Political Coordinator for the UFT. His passion for education reform is central to his campaign, alongside his commitment to addressing the district’s pressing issues, from housing affordability to neighborhood safety.
Smyth’s deep connection to his community stems from his father’s immigrant journey to U.S. citizenship, which instilled in him a strong belief in inclusive policies and equal opportunities for all. A resident of Middle Village for over 30 years, Smyth’s roots in the district run deep, long before he pursued political ambitions. As a father of two—his 30-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son—Smyth has always placed a high value on family and education. His professional path reflects a commitment to service and growth, beginning as a janitor in local schools during the late 1980s and early 1990s. With a history degree from Queens College, Smyth transitioned into teaching, where his experiences as an educator shaped his dedication to reforming the education system. His time in the classroom gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by both students and teachers, further fueling his passion for improving educational opportunities.
Over the past year, Smyth has been tirelessly reaching out to voters across the borough, gaining key endorsements from figures like Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi. Despite not receiving an endorsement from the incumbent, Councilmember Bob Holden, Smyth remains undeterred. “I’m humbled by the support I’ve received, and if the district elects me, we all stand to benefit,” he said, emphasizing his deep connection to the community and his longstanding commitment to local families.
Smyth’s platform is grounded in the bread-and-butter issues that families in District 30 face every day. “The cost of living is a huge issue for so many here, and people often wonder what a local official can do about it—well, a lot,” he said. He advocates for policies that support small businesses, improve transit infrastructure, and address the growing concerns of gentrification, particularly in neighborhoods like Ridgewood. Smyth acknowledges the tension between long-time residents and new arrivals, proposing solutions such as expanded bike lanes, but only if the community supports them.
Addressing the district’s housing challenges, Smyth is skeptical of the “City of Yes” initiative. He sees it as a blanket policy that fails to account for the unique needs of each neighborhood. “We need strong leadership in the room to make sure these developments don’t negatively impact our communities while recognizing the need for new housing,” he said. Smyth is committed to ensuring that the voices of District 30’s residents are heard in these discussions.
A central issue for Smyth is education reform, which he has championed throughout his career. He believes that current spending on education is not being utilized effectively. “We need to redirect the funds we already have to improve our schools,” he argued. His vision for community schools goes beyond classrooms, advocating for schools to become hubs for both education and neighborhood services. By keeping schools open in the evenings for after-school programs like basketball and language classes, Smyth hopes to create a safer, more engaged environment for students and their families.
Smyth also sees schools as an opportunity to strengthen family involvement. “The classroom is another room in your house,” he said, emphasizing the importance of parents being active participants in their children’s education. His proposed initiatives include offering ESL classes for parents and resume-writing workshops to help families integrate into their communities and the workforce.
While Smyth’s campaign has focused on the long-term needs of the district, he is also committed to addressing immediate concerns, such as the state of public parks. In many parts of District 30, Smyth said, families are discouraged from using their local parks due to broken playgrounds, discarded alcohol bottles, and even needles. “We cleaned up the subway system—if we can do that, we can clean up our parks,” he said, proposing the idea of surveillance cameras to help address these safety concerns.
On the issue of homelessness, Smyth spoke compassionately about the need for more dedicated facilities for those suffering from mental health issues. “This is somebody’s mother’s child,” he said. “These people need warm beds and clean sheets. It’s a humanitarian issue.” He stressed that simply offering shelter is not enough—there must be a broader system in place to support these individuals.
A major part of Smyth’s message is his belief that local government positions like the city council should be held by experienced individuals who bring real-world knowledge to the table. “There’s a lot of good intentions when people run for office, but I want to give our district a seat at the leadership table,” he said. With decades of experience in education and labor, Smyth is positioning himself as the candidate who can leverage his connections and expertise to make a real difference.
As he continues to knock on doors every week, Smyth remains committed to listening to the concerns of his constituents. “I want to be a voice that makes sure our community’s needs are heard,” he said.
With the primary election soon approaching, Smyth’s campaign is gaining steam, and he’s eager to continue engaging with voters. “I’m not running to change the city for the sake of it. I’m running because I believe we can make our community stronger, safer, and more connected,” he said. “If I’m elected, it’s not just a win for me—it’s a win for all of us.”
Protest to Reopen Rainey Park Brings Community Together
By Alice Moreno
Tom Griffin — a local Astoria resident and protest organizer — stood by Rainey Park at 10:00 a.m. sharp with a makeshift, paper-made yellow megaphone with the words “We the People” and “Thou Shalt Reopen Rainey Park” written on it, and a cart filled with signs in favor of Rainey Park’s reopening. He had one mission to accomplish: to have his and other local residents’ voices heard by city officials.
“I’ve had people contact us about this demonstration, complaining that their 83-year-old mother relies on this green space because she lives just around the corner and is infirm, and this is the sole access to a park for her,” said Griffin, as he shares his frustrations. “So for the past year and eight months, at this point, there’s been no park access for her.”
Rainey Park, located at 34-24 Vernon Blvd in Astoria, has been under construction since September 2023, according to the official website of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It had a projected completion date of September 2024 and has been adjusted to April 2025. The $8.5 million project was expected to reconstruct the playground, picnic grove, and basketball courts at the park.
However, residents aren’t seeing the change; in fact, the lack of parks is actively affecting their community. From the area, the closest parks are both Queensbridge Park — a 15-minute walk — and Astoria Park — a 25-minute walk — which render them inaccessible to those who are elderly, disabled, or own dogs. Many are also concerned by overcrowding in nearby parks such as Socrates Sculpture Park, making it difficult for those to walk around or play.
“It’s sad that a lot of the kids in the neighborhood don’t have a park anymore,” said Elia Sliba, a protester and resident of Astoria. “They’ve been playing in cement, like around the neighborhood. There are no playgrounds, and the closest Park is Queensbridge, and that’s kind of far for the parents to walk over there.”
Business owners are also getting affected by the park’s closure. Yesse Siqal, owner of “Bakers Cafe LIC” located across the street from Rainey Park, has noticed a significant decrease in foot traffic caused by the closure. It led to his business, which recently opened up two years ago, struggling financially.
“I went from like, going through all my life savings to getting a loan just to survive, because it’s it’s very hard to sustain,” said Siqal.
The idea of a protest began circling around the social media platform Reddit on April 1, when Griffin, under the username KickBlue22, posted on the Astoria thread about his frustrations with the park being closed for so long. Under the thread, many local residents also shared their discontent, with many thinking that the delayed opening is from a lack of budget. On April 11, Griffin made a separate post, urging residents to show up to the protest, hoping that a large number of people causing noise would bring attention to those around it.
Many residents, including Griffin, have also reached out to representatives of New York City Parks and Recreation and city officials, such as Tiffany Caban, via email.
In an email sent October 18, 2024, Griffin had asked the Capital Project Tracker email about the opening date of the park (it was then slated for September 2024). He received a response on November 16 from a representative of NYC Parks, apologizing for the delay due to supply chain issues. Griffin sent follow-up emails from December until February of 2025, with no response.
In an email thread dated from December 11 to 13, Griffin reached out to a representative of District 26 of the NYC Council, asking for clarification on park opening. After being transferred through various representatives, he received a response from John Guana, a representative of Caban’s office, who did not have any information regarding the opening and was still awaiting further information on a timeline for the construction. By December 19, a representative of Caban’s office responded to Griffin, stating that the park was 94% complete, and the opening date on the Park’s website was yet to be updated.
Griffin had also commented on Caban’s Instagram, asking to join him on the protest. He did not receive a response.
With over a dozen people showing up in the cold and rain, Astoria resident’s dedication to their green spaces is evident. As a plethora of cars beeped in support, many of the protesters cheered and chanted, all with a common goal to bring back their beloved park.
“This is the only park we had around here, and now they just took that away from us,” said Marcia Guerra, an Astoria resident. “It’s really upsetting. It’s just a waste of time and resources, and it’s something that our kids should be enjoying.”
Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens Celebrates Earth Day
Nino Todua
News@queensledger.com
Each year, we celebrate Earth Day – a time where we reflect and remind ourselves on how we should be taking care of the planet’s ecosystem for the upcoming new generations that will inherit the Earth. On April 22, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) in Sunnyside celebrated Planet’s day. The VBGCQ offers a safe, supportive space where children can thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Through after-school tutoring, sports, creative arts, and leadership programs, the Club helps kids build confidence, stay active, and explore their talents.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness, the Club recently opened a rooftop farm designed specifically for the children who attend its programs. This vibrant space offers a unique blend of fun and education, where kids can actively engage in hands-on gardening – planting, nurturing, and harvesting crops themselves. Through this interactive experience, they not only enjoy outdoor entertainment but also develop valuable habits centered around sustainability, responsibility, and care for nature. The rooftop farm serves as both a physical activity and a learning tool, inspiring a deeper connection to the environment and encouraging a healthy, well-balanced way of life from an early age.
The opening of the event was attended by members of the local community and civil servants including Justin E. Driscoll, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), among others. The attendees spoke about the importance of the Club in the daily lives of the youth and future generations, emphasizing the need to raise and support them in a healthy environment. They expressed their full support for the Club’s administration in order to promote active participation of children in the organized activities, which they believe is essential and vital for shaping a healthy lifestyle for the new generation.
By encouraging movement, play, and awareness, the club reminded us that caring for our planet begins with nurturing the next generation — the stewards of our future. After all, the energy and well-being of our children mirror the vitality we hope to see in the world around us.
