SHOOTINGS AT ALL-TIME LOW:
Mayor Adams And NYPD Commissioner Tisch Announce Lowest Numbers Of Shootings In Recorded History, Lowest Number Of Transit Crimes Statements On July Crime Statistics
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch praised the brave men and women of the NYPD for their tireless work to keep New York City safe after the release of the July 2025 crime statistics, which again showed a decrease in most crime categories, including a 5.6 percent drop in overall crime.
“New York City is grieving this week after the tragic loss of four innocent lives – including an NYPD officer – in a senseless shooting in Midtown. As we mourn, we must also find ways to turn our pain into purpose; it’s the least we can do to honor the victims. While this incident will forever be a stain on our city, it happened against the backdrop of a larger, more hopeful picture – one where the brave men and women of the NYPD continue to drive down crime,” said Mayor Adams. “As we reflect on the month of July, we are exceptionally proud that overall crime continues to topple – leading off our SEVENTH consecutive quarter of crime reductions – with some of our most violent crimes at record lows across the city. July saw the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. Additionally, crime in the subway system in July was at record lows, excluding the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years. The first seven months of 2025 also mark the fewest shooting incidents and shooting victims ever recorded. This incredible progress is no coincidence – it is thanks to our administration’s dedication to policing with precision and integrity. At a time when many want to defund the police, our administration will always defend them. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Police Commissioner Tisch and the courageous men and women of the NYPD who put on their uniforms every single day, running toward danger so we don’t have to face it ourselves, and fighting to keep New York City the safest big city in America.”
“New York City just recorded the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims ever for the first seven months of any year, while major crime continued to decline citywide. Excluding the two pandemic years, it was also the safest July in our subway system in recorded history,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “These achievements are to the direct credit of the women and men of the NYPD, who now carry forward the legacy of Detective First Grade Didarul Islam.”
***CRIME BLOTTER***
CONVICTED OF MURDER OF 3 Y.O. SON:
Jury Convicted Parent of Killing One Child, Attacking Another
Faces up to 32 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing for Horrifying Abuse
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Shaquan Butler was convicted of depraved indifference murder, assault and other charges for the death of his 3-year-old son in an Elmhurst shelter in November 2022 and for separate injuries inflicted on the boy’s younger brother.
District Attorney Katz said: “At 3 years old, Shaquan Butler Jr. had 23 fractures to his ribs, three lacerations to his liver, bruises from head to toe along with other injuries and an empty stomach. His father is now facing 32 years to life for his murder and the assault of the boy’s brother. I want to thank the ADAs and all the agencies involved in this prosecution.”
Butler, 29, of Elmhurst, was convicted by a jury of murder in the second degree, assault in the second degree and six counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, who presided at trial, indicated that she would sentence the defendant on September 3. Butler faces up to 32 years to life in prison.
Trial openings began on July 21 and summations took place August 6. The jury deliberated for about three hours before reaching a verdict.
According to the charges and trial testimony, on November 13, 2022, Butler resided in a family shelter at the Pan-American Hotel in Elmhurst with his 3-year-old son, Shaquan Bulter Jr., two additional children and the children’s mother. At approximately 7:40 p.m. that day, the children’s mother called 911 to report that Shaquan Jr. wasn’t breathing.
EMTs found the 3-year-old naked on the floor, covered in cold water and unresponsive with visible bruises covering his body, including three large bruises on his forehead. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died.
Butler claimed his son choked while eating and he had attempted to save him.
The medical examiner determined the boy died from blunt force injuries to his torso.
He had three lacerations to the liver and substantial internal bleeding. The child had 23 fractures to his ribs including some that appeared to have been sustained anywhere from a few days to a week prior to his death. There was no evidence that his airway had been obstructed with food and his stomach was empty.
Medical examination of the boy’s brother – then 2 years old – revealed malnutrition and physical injuries consistent with child abuse.
It is not known if the mother has been charged with anything.
FIRST INDICTMENTS UNDER NEW DEED THEFT LAW:
Attorney General James Announces First Indictments Under New Deed Theft Law
Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis Stole The Home of an Elderly Queens Widow While She Received End-of-Life Hospice Care
Indictments Are First Brought by AG James Using New Criminal Deed Theft Law She Championed
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictments of Deepa Roy, 68, of Manhattan and Victor Quimis, 39, of Queens, who worked together to steal the home of Renuka Bherwani, an elderly widow living in Kew Gardens Hills while she was receiving end-of-life hospice care in her home. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Roy and Quimis forged Bherwani’s signature on documents transferring ownership of her home to themselves. Roy and Quimis later forged additional documents in order to transfer ownership of the home to Hunter Studios & Developer Corp. (Hunter Studios), a corporation owned by Quimis. Quimis then obtained a $552,500 mortgage on the property, allowing him to steal over $300,000 after paying off Bherwani’s prior mortgage and liens now in his name. Both Roy and Quimis were charged with multiple felonies for their roles in the scheme. This case is the first of its kind brought under New York’s new deed theft law advanced by Attorney General James that criminalizes deed theft and gives OAG original jurisdiction to prosecute deed theft cases.
“Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis preyed on an elderly widow in hospice to steal the home she owned for nearly 40 years,” said Attorney General James. “Cases like this one are exactly why I fought to advance new laws empowering my office to prosecute deed theft and protect New Yorkers’ homes. I will continue to use the law as both a sword and a shield to stop these despicable crimes and ensure this home is returned to the Bherwani family.”
In 2020, Mrs. Bherwani began receiving in-home care from health aides in the Kew Gardens Hills home she had owned since 1986 with her late husband, Mohan Bherwani. In March 2021, while suffering from dementia, she granted her son, Kamal Bherwani, and daughter-in-law, Sabita Bherwani, full power of attorney to manage her affairs. In 2022, around the time when Mohan passed away, Roy began visiting Mrs. Bherwani in her home, claiming to her aides that she was one of her friends. In the summer of 2024, Roy attempted to persuade Mrs. Bherwani’s health aides to allow her to live in a spare room in the home. Kamal and Sabita rejected this request.
In October 2024, Roy and Quimis allegedly forged a deed with Mrs. Bherwani’s signature transferring ownership of her home to themselves for free. Mrs. Bherwani’s signature was notarized with a forged signature and incorrectly date stamped from a Nassau County licensed notary. Roy and Quimis also used Mrs. Bherwani’s forged signature on a number of other required real estate transfer documents, including a registration form for water and sewer billing from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
In December 2024, Quimis and Roy used a second forged deed to transfer ownership of the home to Hunter Studios. The Nassau County notary’s signature was again forged on these documents. Quimis used this second fraudulent deed to obtain a mortgage for $552,500. He used this money to pay off Mrs. Bherwani’s remaining mortgage and liens that were now in his name. He then laundered the proceeds by transferring the remaining $312,037.57 to Hunter Studios’ bank accounts, which he used for his personal benefit. Roy received at least $15,000 for her role in the deed theft via a bank check from the stolen proceeds with a memo line stating, “Per agreement”.
Kamal and Sabita discovered the deed theft in December 2024 while opening mail at the home, where Mrs. Bherwani still lived and was receiving in-home care. Kamal and Sabita found a letter addressed to Quimis from DEP, which congratulated him on becoming the “new owner” of the home and provided instructions on how to set up an online account to pay bills. They reported the deed theft to OAG shortly after.
Quimis was arrested on August 4 and charged with four counts of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, Money Laundering in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. Roy remains at large and faces the same charges.
This is the first deed theft case brought under a new law championed by Attorney General James, which creates a crime of deed theft and gives OAG jurisdiction to prosecute it. If convicted, Quimis and Roy face a maximum sentence of eight and one-third to 25 years in prison.
New Yorkers who believe they are victims of deed theft are encouraged to contact OAG by calling 1(800) 771-7755, emailing deedtheft@ag.ny.gov, or filing a confidential complaint.
***
INCREASED FUNDING FOR MORE DA’S:
Mayor Adams Announces Increased Funding For Five District Attorneys’ Offices, Raising Budgets To $633 Million To Deliver “Smarter, Faster, Fairer Justice”
23 Percent Increase Under Adams Administration Will Fund New ADAs, Restorative Justice, Youth Programming, Cybercrime Expansion, and More
Investment Part of Mayor Adams’ “Best Budget Ever,” Which Invests in Affordability, Public Safety, and Quality-of-Life Issues New Yorkers Care Most About
New York City Mayor Eric Adams just announced additional funding for the offices of the city’s five district attorneys and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, bringing funding to a total of $633 million – a 23 percent increase in the current fiscal year compared to when the Adams administration came into office. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget – which builds on the “Best Budget Ever” – also includes more than $17 million in new investments to expand prosecutorial capacity, strengthen diversion programs, and support tailored public safety initiatives in each borough. More specifically, these investments will allow District Attorney Offices to hire dozens of additional assistant district attorneys (ADAs), build out restorative justice and youth-focused programming, and launch or expand units targeting cybercrime, domestic violence, and forensic analysis.
“Justice delayed is justice denied – and that’s why our administration is investing in a system that delivers public safety quickly, fairly, and effectively,” said Mayor Adams. “Since day one, we’ve said public safety and justice are the prerequisites to prosperity, and that continues to stand true today. This means giving our city’s district attorneys the resources they need to protect both – from cutting case backlogs to expanding diversion initiatives to standing up new programs that keep our communities safe. By increasing their budgets to a total of $633 million annually, we are giving our local prosecutors their largest budgets ever, as we continue to invest – borough by borough, program by program, and investment by investment – in building a safer, fairer city for all.”
Queens will receive $1.75 million for 18 additional staff members, including ADAs and investigators, to bolster expert forensic analysis and courtroom readiness.
The other boroughs will receive:
Bronx (Bronx County) – $6.08 million
Brooklyn (Kings County) – $5.6 million
Manhattan (New York County) – $2.98 million
Staten Island (Richmond County) – $970,000
“Properly funding the district attorneys’ offices is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe while advancing meaningful criminal justice reform,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “I thank the mayor for the city’s ongoing investments in local prosecutors. With continued support, my office will keep building a stronger, more effective system that serves every community in Queens and beyond.”
This latest round of funding builds on past initiatives like Project Restore, which supports programming to address gun violence, housing insecurity, and other drivers of crime. It also “reflects a shared commitment between the administration and the City Council to invest in smarter, more effective justice citywide”.
This investment also complements the New York City Police Department’s targeted investigations into violent gangs, which have already resulted in 48 gang takedowns year-to-date, leading to the arrests of 347 gang members and associates, as well as the seizure of 236 firearms. These efforts are matched by long-haul, data-driven prosecutions by the city’s five district attorneys, “directly contributing to fewer illegal guns on city streets and safer communities across the five boroughs”.
As a result of the Adams administration’s “relentless focus on public safety”, from January 2025 through July 2025, New York City experienced the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. These historic numbers have helped drive down major crime categories into the seventh consecutive quarter, with a 5.6 percent drop in July 2025 compared to the same month last year. Overall index crime across New York City is down 5 percent year-to-date – with reductions in homicides, robberies, burglaries, felony assaults, grand larcenies, vehicle theft, shootings, transit crime, housing crime, retail theft, hate crimes, and more. These significant declines resulted in 3,602 fewer victims of major crime in New York City so far this year, compared to the same period last year. “The record-low crime statistics build on the Adams administration’s work to remove more than 22,900 illegal guns from New York City streets since taking office, including more than 3,100 illegal firearms removed year-to-date,” noted the Mayor’s office.
9/11 HEALTH PROGRAM ISSUES:
Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Demand That Secretary Kennedy Address Administrative Issues In The World Trade Center Health Program
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer wrote a letter calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the administrative issues within the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) that stem from WTCHP staffing cuts and other harmful Trump administration directives. These issues began shortly after Secretary Kennedy’s confirmation in February and have caused chaos within the program and the broader 9/11 community. They include an ongoing “temporary” communications pause and travel restrictions for program staff, which have halted research meetings, Responders and Survivors Steering Committee meetings, and interactions with the community of 9/11 survivors. In addition, work related to the renewal of contracts for WTCHP Clinical Centers of Excellence, WTCHP Data Centers, the National Provider Network, administrative support, and Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) is not being completed. These issues have caused confusion and concern among administrators, doctors, and program participants. While some previously terminated WTCHP staff have been reinstated, along with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Director and WTCHP Administrator Dr. John Howard, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer wrote that they want “to ensure the integrity of services provided to injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors across the country by this vital program.”
In the letter–the fourth that they’ve sent to Secretary Kennedy this year about issues at the WTCHP–the Senators wrote, “We are committed to ensuring that the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks who were exposed to toxic chemicals from the World Trade Center disaster, or the Pentagon and Shanksville crash site, continue to receive the health care and medical monitoring that they deserve and expect under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act that created the World Trade Center Health Program.”
They continued, “These last few months have clearly demonstrated that adequate staffing levels are critical to preventing significant treatment delays. Individuals with 9/11-related conditions should not have to rely on repeated uproars from the public and the media to obtain the care they are owed under the law and so desperately need.”
The WTCHP was established in 2011 to provide medical assistance and monitoring to those suffering from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero on and after September 11, 2001. The program covers the lifespans of those affected by the attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Shanksville crash site, children who were in schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during clean-up, and those who have since experienced, or are expected to experience, adverse health effects that are linked to the attacks and its aftermath. In 2022, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer secured $1 billion in funding for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, they helped deliver an additional $676 million for the program.
‘IT’S NOT ROMANCE, IT’S ANIMAL ABUSE’:
Holden Calls on NYC Council to Hold Hearing and Pass Ryder’s Law Following Death of Horse “Lady”
Council Member Robert Holden (D-Queens) called on the New York City Council to “finally do the right thing: schedule a hearing and move to pass Ryder’s Law, which would once and for all end the cruel and outdated horse carriage industry in New York City.”
The call comes in the wake of the tragic death of Lady, a 15-year-old carriage horse who collapsed and died on a Manhattan street recently, nearly three years to the day after the collapse and later death of Ryder, another carriage horse who collapsed in Midtown.
Around the time Ryder collapsed and died, polling showed that 71 percent of New Yorkers wanted to see the horse carriage industry ended. “That number is almost certainly higher today as New Yorkers once again witness the disturbing images of a horse lying dead in the street.
“This is a barbaric, outdated industry that has no place in a modern city,” said Holden, the sponsor of Intro 967, aka Ryder’s Law. “Forcing horses to work long hours in extreme weather, on congested streets filled with cars and buses is cruel. They spend their days dodging traffic and their nights crammed into tiny stables. This is not romance – it’s animal abuse. The Council must hold a hearing, bring Ryder’s Law to the floor, and vote to end this industry once and for all.”
Ryder’s Law would fully ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City, protecting both horses and the public from the dangers this industry poses. Cities around the world have already acted, leaving New York behind in clinging to a practice rooted in the 18th century.
“Enough is enough,” Holden added. “Another horse is dead because our leaders refuse to appeal to their conscience and end this barbaric industry once and for all. It’s time for New York City to move into the 21st century. Let’s follow the example of other cities, pass Ryder’s Law, and ensure no horse suffers and dies on our streets again.”
CALL FOR FLOOD WARNING SIGNAGE:
QBP Richards, Civic Leaders Call For Flood-Related Street Signage, Further Storm Mitigation Efforts In Northeast Queens
In response to the torrential rainfall on July 31 that inundated many of Northeast Queens’ major thoroughfares and residential streets alike, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. held a press conference tomorrow in Bayside to call on the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to install signage along flood-prone Northeast Queens roadways that would warn motorists not to drive or park on those streets in the event of future storms.
The press conference was held on the street median in front of 12-02 Bell Blvd., adjacent to the Cross Island Parkway and just east of 209th Street. Joining Borough President Richards were local civic and community leaders from Northeast Queens, who have spent years calling for such signage to be installed on local streets susceptible to flooding.
The press conference also comes a few weeks after a request by Borough President Richards to have a sign placed near the site of the press conference was denied by NYC DOT.
The Borough President also called for additional investments in flood mitigation measures across Northeast Queens. The July 31 storm – which dumped more than 3 inches of rain on Bayside and surrounding communities in just a few hours – showed that much more needs to be done to protect flood-prone neighborhoods from severe weather, which is being made more frequent due to climate change.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FOR TEENS:
NYC Votes Empowers High School Students to Learn about Civic Engagement as NYC Voters Head to Polls
17 NYC Teens Selected as 2025 NYC Votes Youth Ambassadors
Seventeen promising New York City high school students are serving this summer as the 2025 NYC Votes Youth Ambassadors, a cohort representing all five boroughs who will cross the city sharing nonpartisan voting and election information, learn about local history and civic engagement, and gain critical tools to help mobilize other young people to get involved in democracy. This is the sixth year of the Youth Ambassadors program, which is part of the NYC Votes voter engagement initiative of the NYC Campaign Finance Board (CFB), a nonpartisan, independent city agency.
Following a competitive New York City primary election that led to a surge in youth voter turnout, the Youth Ambassadors will keep the momentum going and host Get Out The Vote events at schools, places of worship, and local libraries across the city. The program aims to help ambassadors become voting experts, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to increase voter participation in their communities. This year’s ambassadors are all under the age of 17 and speak seven different languages.
By discussing local issues and spending time in communities that are often underrepresented by the electoral process, Ambassadors are preparing to become the next generation of community leaders.
“During this past primary election, we saw increased turnout among voters under the age of 30. It’s clear that young people are getting more engaged in our local democracy. Every summer, our youth ambassadors step up as leaders among their peers and teach other young people about voting, democracy, and different ways of organizing for change,” said Jadel Munguia, Assistant Press Secretary of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. ”This summer, our youth ambassadors will immerse themselves in the world of civics, learn from community organizers, and better understand the different roles that local government plays in our daily lives.
Ambassadors will participate in weekly meetings; learn history inside and outside the classroom including at museums and theater productions and with guest speakers; host voter mobilization events like canvassing, text banking, and chalking; and share critical non-partisan information at community events throughout the summer. As part of their capstone to the program, Ambassadors will participate in voter participation research projects for the CFB’s Voter Analysis Report.
On August 13, the Ambassadors will lead their sixth annual Youth Voter Assistance Advisory Committee Hearing.
This year’s NYC Votes Youth Ambassador representing Queens is Gulshan Aachol.
CITY’S LIBRARIES EXPAND SERVICE:
More than 30 branches across the city will offer seven-day service beginning September 7
Eleven additional library branches across New York City will soon offer service on Sundays, thanks to new operational funding included in the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The expansion, which was championed by Speaker Adams and the New York City Council, is made possible by a $2 million investment specifically dedicated to growing weekend access to library service.
This funding is in addition to a broader $15 million increase in operating support for New York City’s three library systems – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), The New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Public Library (QPL) – as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget negotiated by Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council.
The new Sunday hours will begin September 7, and bring the citywide total number of branches open on Sundays to more than 30.
“We are thrilled to offer full weekend access to our spaces, programs, and resources for more people in more places across Queens,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are incredibly grateful to our city leaders who made this investment – Mayor Eric Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who led the effort to secure funding for expanded seven-day service, Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Council Libraries Committee Chair Carlina Rivera, and the entire City Council – for reinforcing the importance of our great institutions and for working with us to meet the challenges of our times.”
Expanded Sunday library service will be offered at the following Queens branches: Glen Oaks, Hunters Point, Jackson Heights, and Rochdale Village. QPL will also offer a seventh day of service at Kew Gardens Hills Library, which is already open on Sundays. Starting September 13, the branch will be open on Saturdays, bringing the total number of QPL locations with seven-day service to eight. QPL’s Central, Flushing and Far Rockaway libraries are currently open every day of the week.
For full details on hours and services, patrons are encouraged to visit the websites of each library system.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan released the following statement about the QPL Jackson Heights library being chosen to expand to 7-day service: “We are thrilled that the Jackson Heights Library is 1 of the 10 libraries that will now be open 7 days a week. In a district starved for public space, the Jackson Heights library is a place for our neighbors and families to come together. I’m proud that with the leadership of Speaker Adams and my office’s advocacy, there are now more opportunities for my constituents to pick up new books for our children, participate in the library’s amazing programs, and have weekly access to computers and other technology the library provides in Jackson Heights.”
Council Member Krishnan noted that securing the QPL for the Jackson Heights library expansion comes just weeks after celebrating the historic completion of the Jackson Heights Post Office ramp and expanded garden space which was also won through the office’s efforts.
$26M FOR ARVERNE AQUATICS:
QBP Richards Announces Historic $26 Million Investment For Future Arverne East Aquatics Center
“For generations, Rockaway families simply trying to spend a summer day in the water have had no choice but to do so while battling the sometimes dangerous waves and rip currents of the Atlantic Ocean. These unpredictable and deadly conditions, combined with the absence of a public pool on the peninsula, heartbreakingly lead to preventable drownings each year, including two already this year.” To break these “cycles of tragedy and systemic inequity” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. announced his unprecedented $26 million allocation toward the creation of the future, state-of-the-art Arverne East Aquatics Center.
He held a press conference on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk at Beach 32nd Street in Far Rockaway, adjacent to the site where the future aquatics center will be constructed. Borough President Richards’ expected guests included NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Rockaway civic activists and community leaders, swim safety advocates and family members of young New Yorkers lost to drowning.
Preliminary plans for the nearly 48,000-square-foot, three-story Arverne East Aquatics Center include two public pools – one outdoor and one indoor – as well as an expansive public deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, two multipurpose rooms for added recreational programming, a picturesque central atrium, office space and more. The center will also be constructed to both mirror and integrate seamlessly into the surrounding sand dunes, while allowing for direct pedestrian access to and from Rockaway Beach.
First pledged by the Borough President during his April 2025 State of the Borough address, his office’s $26 million investment in its Fiscal Year 2026 capital budget is by far the single largest individual allocation since Borough President Richards assumed office in December 2020.
Additional funding for the aquatics center includes $25 million stemming from the 2017 Downtown Far Rockaway Rezoning – initiated and led by then-City Council Member Donovan Richards – as well as $10 million commitments from both Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration and NYC Parks, as successfully negotiated by Borough President Richards.
REVISED CREEDMOOR REDEVELOPMENT PLAN:
Eastern Queens Elected Officials Announce Agreement with State on Revised Creedmoor Redevelopment Plan
Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Council Member Linda Lee are announcing an agreement reached with Empire State Development (ESD) that will significantly reduce the density of the Creedmoor Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project. The new plan responds to the electeds’ and community’s strong feedback by proposing a 27% reduction in housing unit square footage and moving up the timeline for construction of units reserved for seniors. Considering that the Creedmoor campus already hosts supportive housing as well as the Psychiatric Center, the new proposal responds to community concerns by reducing the percentage of housing units for individuals with mental illness from 35% to 20%. Housing reserved for veterans remains unchanged from the initial proposal.
Additionally, in keeping more with the overall character of the surrounding community, five of the 8-story buildings originally proposed have been removed from the plan, and the remaining eight 8-story buildings would be positioned along the project’s main and widest roadway and at the center of the campus. The footprint of the proposed school was also reduced, freeing up space for a playground, faculty parking, and bus loading zones that will help ensure a safe flow of traffic.
According to ESD, the mix of total units would be approximately 52% homeownership and 48% rental, and all rental units would be affordable while homeownership would be a mix of affordable and market-rate units.
The major changes to the proposal were outlined by ESD in a letter from Commissioner Hope Knight addressed to the three elected officials.
“From the day the State first announced its intent to redevelop the Creedmoor Campus in Eastern Queens, I said that the final project must prioritize the needs and concerns of the local community,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “As I have previously made clear, the initial plan proposed by Empire State Development did not accomplish this. However, I’m pleased to report that ESD has responded to our feedback and proposed a revised plan that strikes a better balance between meeting the housing, educational, and supportive needs of our community while keeping the overall density of the project more contextual to the surrounding neighborhood.”
Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “The changes made allow for senior housing to be built more quickly and preserves the number of units for our veterans. I believe that the changes to this project are a fair compromise that continues to meet the need for housing in our State.”
Council Member Linda Lee said, “My colleagues and I have consistently emphasized that any development on the Creedmoor campus must reflect community values; supporting older adults’ desires to age in place and offering truly affordable paths to homeownership, all without straining our public infrastructure.”
CLOVER PARK TENANTS RALLY:
It was reported to the Gazette via the Office of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris that there was a Rally for Housing Justice held by Clover Park tenants on August 2 in Glendale. Senator Gianaris released the following statement: “It’s deeply disappointing that in the midst of a cost of living and housing crisis, building ownership seems focused on displacing dozens of long-term residents,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I hope that building ownership will work with residents to try and keep families in their homes and community.”
NHS OF QUEENS UPCOMING EVENTS:
NHS of Queens announced the following upcoming events:
Utility Assistance and Energy Efficiency Seminar
Date: Thursday, August 21st
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Description: Find out if you qualify for programs like the CON-EDISON Energy Affordability Program, NATIONAL-GRID Energy Affordability Program, weatherization, clean heating and cooling, and solar panels. To register you can visit nhsofqueens.org/upcoming-events for the link or visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cbNGKK41Q8yMm1TH2Jzshg#/registration
Homeowner Resource Fair (In-person)
An in-person event where you can explore a wide range of resources for homeowners. NHSQ offers renovation tips, mortgage advice, and home improvement ideas. “Connect with industry experts, discover innovative products, and get inspired to make your home even better. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to gather valuable insights and network with other homeowners. Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you there!”
Saturday, September 27
94-33 Corona Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373.
From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
NHS of Queens Housing Portal “Our Home”
The NHSQ Housing Portal is the consumer portal where you can safely and securely upload documents and data to your Housing Counselor from the comfort of your own home computer or cell phone. Stay connected with them for updates on upcoming expos, workshops, and housing resources.
“If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to give us a call at (718) 457-1017 or email us at info@nhsofqueens.org.”
JGR’S BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas to Host Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway in Corona, Jackson Heights, Astoria, East Elmhurst, and Woodside
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas is hosting a series of Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways for students as of Monday, August 11 in Corona, Tuesday, August 12 in Jackson Heights, and continuing through Friday, August 22.
As students and their families prepare for the new school year, the Assembly Member is excited to give away backpacks, school supplies, and other resources for families for free, in partnership with the Hispanic Federation, as well as Metro Health Plus and labor unions. More than 1,300 backpacks are being distributed throughout the 34th Assembly district, which includes Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside in Queens.
It was reported that in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Carpenter Contractors Alliance of Metropolitan New York, Laborers’ Local 1010, and The Hispanic Federation Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways was held on Monday, August 11, at Corona Plaza, 40-04 National St., Corona, Queens 11368; and in partnership with Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Carpenter Contractors Alliance of Metropolitan New York, Emblem Health, The Queens Center Mall, and The Hispanic Federation on Tuesday, August 12, P.S. 149 on 34th Avenue Open Street, Between 93rd St and 94th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
The remaining events will be held in:
Astoria, in partnership with Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; and The Hispanic Federation, on Tuesday, August 19, 4-6 PM, at Woodtree Playground, 38th Street and 20th Rd, Astoria, NY 11105.
East Elmhurst, in partnership with Council Member Tiffany Cabán and Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; and The Hispanic Federation, on Wednesday, August 20, 4-6 PM, at Gorman Playground, 132-68 85th St. (25th Ave. and 84th St.), East Elmhurst, NY 11369.
Woodside, in partnership with The Hispanic Federation, on Friday, August 22, 11 AM-1 PM, outside the NYCHA Cornerstone Community Center, 50-19 Broadway, Woodside, NY 11377.
BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY:
Council Member Lynn Schulman made the following announcements: “As many of you know, there is an upcoming election in November. In order to comply with NYC law, our e-newsletter is restricted from discussing certain topics in mass communication until after the general election. From now until then, we will continue to share upcoming events and neighborhood news, while keeping within the spirit of the 90-day communications blackout period rule. Should you have any questions or concerns, or need additional information about any of the information contained in this newsletter, please call or email my office:
Office Number: 718-544-8800
Office Email: District29@council.nyc.gov
The Council Member also announced a Back to School Backpack Giveaway:
Forest Hills/Kew Gardens – August 18th
On Monday, August 18th from 11:00am – 1:00pm (while supplies last) Council Member Lynn Schulman, Borough President Donovan Richards, DA Melinda Katz, and Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, in collaboration with Congressmember Grace Meng, will be hosting a backpack giveaway at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center in Queens Borough Hall, for those who need one. Supplies are distributed on a first come, first serve basis so please arrive early.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE:
Council Member Vickie Paladino made the following announcements: “Help Local Students Succeed: School Supply Drive Now Underway! Our District 19 School Supply Drive is accepting donations now through the week of August 18th. “All donated items will go directly to families in need through our Backpack Giveaway at St. Fidelis Church. Suggested items: Notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, crayons, backpacks, glue sticks, and more! Please drop off your donations during our office hours. Thank you!”
Backpack Giveaway – Saturday, August 23rd, St. Fidelis Church, College Point, 11AM-1PM: “We’re excited to partner with the Queens Borough President’s Office to cosponsor a Backpack Giveaway for local students in need!”
School Construction Authority Town Hall – September 15th, Monday, 6-7PM @ Bell Academy (Q294) Council Member Paladino and the School Construction Authority (SCA) will address community issues and concerns regarding Waters Edge Drive School (Q388) at an upcoming Town Hall.
PETITION: RECLAIM QUEENSBRIDGE BABY PARK:
Council Member Julie Won made the following announcement: “In partnership with a growing coalition of organizations and elected officials, we are launching a petition to call on the City to return Queensbridge Baby Park to the community. Opened in 1939 with the Queensbridge Houses, Baby Park was once an extensive–over three acres–play space under the Queensboro Bridge. It was a lifeline for children from Queensbridge with swings, slides, basketball courts, sprinklers, and open space for residents.
“In the 1980s, extensive work related to lead paint removal closed the park and over time, city agencies began parking their vehicles and fencing off play spaces until only a handball court (10% of the original park) was left for residents. Today, most of this space is used for storage, parking, and operations by city agencies.
“The Queensboro Bridge is the last major bridge in NYC to be utilized this way. In total, there is over 8.5 acres of underutilized public land–an area the size of 6.5 football fields – under the bridge and its ramps. Most of this land is fenced off despite being in Long Island City, the nation’s fastest-growing neighborhood and adjacent to Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing development in North America.
“Across NYC, spaces under bridges have been transformed to create parks, plazas, dog runs, skateparks, and playgrounds. Our vision to reclaim city-owned lots for people is not only possible–we have done it before. Just weeks ago, we broke ground on the Baseline, a new public space under a ramp of the Queensboro Bridge in Court Square. Now, the City has a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the OneLIC Plan to right a historic wrong, reconnect communities in LIC, address the lack of open space, and build a waterfront esplanade that connects Queensbridge Park to Gantry State Park. But this will only happen if the City commits to returning and transforming these spaces for community use. I invite you to sign our petition (https://secure.ny4p.org/a/queensbridgebabypark) organized by Queensbridge residents, New Yorkers for Parks, and a growing coalition of organizations.”
QEDC OPEN HOUSE:
Entrepreneur Space Food Incubator
Ben Guttmann, Executive Director, Queens Economic Development Corporation released the following statement: “It’s been an exciting first month for me at QEDC. We’ve launched our new branding, hosted elected officials for tours of our work, seen our programs featured in national media, and have even grown our team – all while we continue to help more than 1,000 entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life.
“Now, I want to invite you in to see one of our most impactful projects firsthand. For the first time since before the pandemic, please join us on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:00PM for an open house at our Entrepreneur Space food incubator in Long Island City.
“The event is free, and you’ll be able to meet and sample foods from more than two dozen of our makers (and even buy some of your favorites to take home). And big thanks to our Queens friends at SquareWine & Spirits and Finback Brewery for providing some drinks to wash it all down.
“Now celebrating its 15th year, the Entrepreneur Space is truly a one-of-a-kind asset for this city. With rental rates about 40% less expensive than for-profit commercial kitchens, we’ve incubated 817 and counting food businesses – including many that have gone on to national distribution (and even one that appeared on Shark Tank). I can’t wait to have you see, and taste, it.
“This event is just the first of many great things coming up for Queens this summer and fall. On August 19, we’re teaming up with Yelp for an end-of-summer happy hour, and on September 10, our program with Witness for Mass Incarceration is the non-profit partner for Style Across the Aisle. There’s a whole lot more I’ll make sure you know about.
“Thank you again to everybody who has reached out and supported me as I transition into my new role here at QEDC. And if we haven’t had a chance to connect yet, I hope to see you at the Entrepreneur Space in a few weeks!”
CELEBRATE JAMAICAN & INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAYS:
Join Bureau President Donovan Richards, the son of a Jamaican immigrant, for a celebration of Jamaica’s heritage, people, and history. Toast the island’s independence with a night of authentic food, cultural performances, and honors for Jamaican American leaders here in Queens. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 19, at 6 PM, at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queensborough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens NY. To RSVP (required), visit www.queensbp.nyc.gov/rsvp
Queensborough President Richards also announced his celebration of India’s independence. Join the Borough President for a celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, as Queens honors its dynamic Indian American community with an evening of cultural performance, honors for local leaders, words of wisdom, refreshment and much more. The event will be held Wednesday, August 20 at 6 PM at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queensborough Hall, 120–55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens. To RSVP (required) visit www.queensbp.nyc.gov/rsvp.
$200K FOR 109TH PCT:
Assemblyman Sam Berger Delivers $200,000 in Capital Funding to 109th Precinct for New Vehicles and Public Safety Equipment
Assemblyman Sam Berger announced $200,000 in capital funding for the NYPD 109th Precinct during the precinct’s National Night Out event, surrounded by officers and community members. The funding will support the purchase of new vehicles and essential public safety equipment.
The 109th Precinct, which covers the largest geographical precinct jurisdiction in New York City, serves a broad and diverse area that includes Flushing, Whitestone, College Point, and surrounding neighborhoods. The funding, allocated directly by Assemblyman Berger, will strengthen the precinct’s ability to respond to emergencies, conduct patrols, and enhance overall public safety.
“This investment ensures that our officers are equipped to meet the needs of the communities they serve,” said Assemblyman Berger. “By investing in new vehicles and updated safety equipment, we are improving response times, supporting neighborhood patrols, and reinforcing our commitment to public safety of these neighborhoods and the families that live in them.”
“This amazing $200,000 grant for the 109th PCT from NYS AM Sam Berger is equally impressive and appreciated!” said Chuck Apelian, Chairman of Queens Community Board 7. When Sam first met with our Community Board 7 leadership, he made a clear promise he would always support law enforcement and that public safety is his top priority. Today’s grant couldn’t demonstrate any clearer that Sam Berger is a true friend to the residents of CB 7Q and the 109th PCT.”
“Assemblyman Berger’s $200,000 grant is a major help for the 109th Precinct,” said Kevin O’Donnell, President of the NYPD 109th Community Council. “It gives us more tools to support our officers and strengthen safety in our community.”
The $200,000 capital allocation helps strengthen public safety by ensuring the precinct has the resources it needs to protect and serve the community, noted Berger.
FREE BBQ FOR VETS:
Addabbo To Honor Veterans With Annual Free BBQ
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. will host his annual free Veterans BBQ in Howard Beach during September to celebrate the military service of veterans.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Addabbo has made this gathering a tradition since joining the Senate in 2008.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Howard Beach Motor Club, located at 59 Russel Street, in Howard Beach, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Attendees are invited to enjoy food, music, and drinks donated by several local businesses and organizations.
Veterans who live in Senator Addabbo’s District will be given priority as space is limited. They must call his office at 718-738-1111 to make a reservation and are allowed to bring one guest.
“I believe honoring our veterans is a responsibility we uphold every day, not just on a single occasion,” Addabbo said. “This gathering offers a meaningful way to say thank you in person and to celebrate the courage and dedication of those who have served our country.”
OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS:
Calling All Artists; Addabbo To Host Artist Showcase Displaying The District’s Visual Artistic And Musical Talent
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is calling artists of various types in his district to participate in a possible upcoming Artist Showcase he is hosting, to show off their creativity and talent.
“Art has the power to inspire, unite, and uplift,” Senator Addabbo said. “By hosting this artist showcase, we’re not only highlighting local talent but also strengthening the fabric of our community and supporting the artists who enrich our lives every day.”
In order to apply to participate in the showcase, call Senator Addabbo’s Office at 718-738-111 to register and send samples of your work to AnnMarie Costella, Press Secretary & Special Events Coordinator at costella@nysenate.gov
Please review the guidelines below before applying to participate.
Eligibility
Constituents Only: Participation is limited to residents and constituents of Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.’s district. Senate District 15.
If you are not sure whether Senator Addabbo is your representative, you can check by searching your home address using the link below:
https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
General Guidelines
Showcase, Not Competition: This event is a showcase, not a competition or talent show. The purpose is to highlight and promote the body of work of local artists.
Space: Each participant will have approximately 4 feet of space to display or work within.
No Sales on Premises: Selling artwork or items at the event is not permitted. However, you are encouraged to promote your work.
Artist Requirements
Must bring their own stands, displays, and tables to exhibit their work.
Artists must transport their own artwork for display.
Performances should be limited to 10 minutes, including setup time.
Bring your own instruments. No instruments will be provided on-site.
Senator Addabbo’s Office’s Role
Printed Materials: The office will print name tags, artist profiles, art piece descriptions, and a program for the event.
To ensure this is accurate, please provide the necessary information about your work in advance.
–With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.