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.

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.

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.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Two probationary NYPD officers have been indicted on multiple charges, including
burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct, following an investigation into
alleged misconduct while on duty in Jackson Heights.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on March 31 that Justin McMillan,
27, and Justin Colon, 24, both assigned to the 115th Precinct, face eight criminal
counts related to incidents that occurred on July 19 and 20, 2024. According to the
charges, the officers responded to a 311 call regarding prostitution at a residential
building on 89th Street.

Upon arrival, the officers allegedly deactivated their body-worn cameras before
interacting with a woman who had just exited the building. The officers are accused
of taking a key from the woman, which they used to return to the building hours
later.

Around eight hours later, McMillan and Colon allegedly entered the building using
the stolen key. Inside, they found a woman engaged in prostitution. After the man
involved fled the scene, McMillan is accused of stealing money from the woman’s
purse and groping her before she fled the location and called 911.

The officers did not report the incident or file any paperwork related to their
actions, and both were placed on modified duty in August 2024 after the
investigation began. They surrendered to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)
on Monday.

District Attorney Katz condemned the officers’ alleged actions, stating that the
charges represented a serious breach of public trust.

“The allegations in this case are an affront to the shield worn by the countless police
officers who serve and protect the residents of this city,” Katz said. “The defendants,
both sworn NYPD officers, are accused of using their authority to break into a
building, steal money and forcibly touch a woman while on duty, with their body-
worn cameras intentionally turned off so that their misdeeds would not be
recorded. I thank the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their crucial assistance in
bringing charges against the two defendants, both of whom are now indicted and
face justice in our courts.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also spoke out against the officers, emphasizing
the department’s commitment to holding officers accountable.

“Wearing the uniform of a New York City Police Officer is one of the highest
privileges in law enforcement, and the legitimacy of that work is based on the
public’s trust,” Tisch said. “So, when that trust is broken, as it was in this case, the
entire police department must answer for it. I want to thank the NYPD’s Internal
Affairs Bureau, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and everyone else who worked
on this investigation. We hold our officers to the highest standard of professionalism
and integrity, and failing to meet that standard is disqualifying. Let me be perfectly
clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held
fully accountable. That standard will never change.”

McMillan and Colon face charges of burglary in the second and third degrees,
forcible touching, petit larceny, and official misconduct. If convicted of the top
charge, they could each face up to 15 years in prison.

Both officers were arraigned Monday and are due back in court on April 28. The
case is being prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, with Assistant
District Attorney Christine Oliveri leading the prosecution.

McMillan, who joined the NYPD in April 2023, and Colon, who joined in July 2023,
were both stationed at the 115th Precinct after completing their training.

Former area councilmember and senator Hiram Monserrate expressed shock at the
indictment of two local NYPD officers, Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, who are
accused of using their authority to break into a building, steal money, and forcibly
touch a woman while on duty. Monserrate criticized the officers’ actions, which
allegedly took place on Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, emphasizing the
disturbing erosion of trust in law enforcement due to the officers’ alleged

misconduct. He acknowledged that many local officers perform commendably but
stressed the need for integrity and accountability within the department.

“While we respect the presumption of innocence in our
judicial system, everyone is accountable before the law,” Monserrate said in a
statement. “This indictment will serve only to erode trust. I know many of our local
officers and I know they do great work, but this revelation is chilling. We need our
police officers to step up and for the Police Department to ensure integrity.”

Monserrate also highlighted the ongoing issues of prostitution and human
trafficking on Roosevelt Avenue, including frequent complaints about brothels and
street walkers in the area. He noted the community’s efforts to address these
problems through marches, rallies, and press conferences but stressed that the
situation remains a serious concern.

Quinten Jansen

A group of 30 high school students from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School,
recently had the experience of visiting the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, the
only NASA-owned facility of its kind in the state. The trip marked the culmination of a four-
year journey that began with a classroom project measuring the tree height using various
NASA techniques, and ended with recognition and a chance to see science come to life.

The project began during the students’ freshman year under the guidance of the STEAM
Faculty coordinator Deanna Danke and with support from Brian Campbell, Senior Earth
Science Specialist and GLOBE Observer Trees Science Lead at NASA Wallops and GST,
Inc. Initially met with confusion especially on how math applied to tree measurements, the
students quickly discovered the real-world application of their studies. Using NASA’s
satellite-based methods, they measured the height and diameter of local trees to assess
environmental health and sent their data to NASA. They thought little of it until a paper was
published in June 2022 featuring their work.

NASA later invited them to create a digital reel about their research. The students kept in
close contact with NASA over the next four years, which eventually led to their trip to the
Wallops Flight Facility.

Senior Richard Stock IV, who joined the project later, said, “I found the project really
exciting. Everyone had their own role, and it felt great to contribute.” He was especially
fascinated by how NASA uses lasers to study precipitation and climate change. Chris
Georgeopoulos was captivated by the NASA balloons. “The ropes can carry up to 8,000
pounds. They send up cameras and microphones 30 miles into the atmosphere.” he said.

Sophomore Joseph Werner recalled a school presentation on climate change, where they
linked tree health to environmental conditions. He recommends the program to others for its
real-world learning. Thiago Costa, initially uninterested, discovered a passion through the
project. “Now I know what I’m interested in,” he shared.

For Jake Wood, the turning point was learning about NASA’s ICESat-2, which uses lasers to
map land and sea ice every 90 days. Santiago Uribe-Correro, inspired by Campbell’s
leadership, credited him with bringing the whole experience together.

The opportunity wasn’t always guaranteed. These seniors only learned of the trip during their
final year. Students like Brandon, were drawn by the chance to see rockets and to learn how
radar detects precipitation. Sebastian Leonowicz, who hopes to pursue engineering, loved
seeing the rocket assembly process firsthand. “I was expecting a lot, and NASA delivered,”
he said.

Through it all, these students not only learned math in a hands-on, meaningful way, they
shaped the direction of their own learning and saw how their efforts connected to global
scientific work. What started as a simple class project turned into a powerful journey fueled
by curiosity, collaboration, and a bit of rocket science.