{"id":438540,"date":"2025-12-10T20:37:31","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T20:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/438540\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T20:37:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T20:37:31","slug":"i-on-politics-queens-gazette-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/438540\/","title":{"rendered":"I On Politics – Queens Gazette"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"\u00a0\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

NORTH QUEENS HOMEOWNERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING NO\u00adTICE:<\/p>\n

Elections for the 2026 officers and board and holiday event will be on Thursday, De\u00adcember 11th, 7:00 pm at the Lexington School for the Deaf, 25-26 75th Street, cafe\u00adteria lower level. All nine positions are open and up for election: four officers and five board members.<\/p>\n

NYC COUNCIL OVERRIDES MAYOR\u2019S VETOES OF BILLS:<\/p>\n

Council also approves additional city contract payment improvements for non\u00adprofit service providers, requiring quarterly payments for Homeless Services and Mayor\u2019s Office of Criminal Justice contracts<\/p>\n

Today, the New York City Council voted to override mayoral vetoes of four pieces of legislation that will protect CityFHEPS re\u00adcipients from rent increases, strengthen pay equity, and codify the Office of Contract Services. The bills were passed by the Coun\u00adcil in October with veto-proof majorities.<\/p>\n

The Council also approved additional legislation to further improve the City\u2019s con\u00adtract payment process for nonprofits, requir\u00ading quarterly payments for Homeless Services and Mayor\u2019s Office of Criminal Justice contracts. For years, the City has failed to pay nonprofit organizations with city contracts to deliver services in a timely manner. These long-term issues have re\u00adsulted in service interruptions and reduc\u00adtions, organizations accruing debt, layoffs of staff, and even the shutting down of long\u00adtime organizations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are common-sense bills to pro\u00adtect the lowest-income New Yorkers from rent increases, advance gender and racial pay equity, and improve the City\u2019s contracting process to remove obstacles for nonprofits,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams. \u201cThey never should have been vetoed, and the Council is once again prioritizing New Yorkers by en\u00adacting them into law when the Mayor will not.\u201d<\/p>\n

AG JAMES PROVIDES NEW IN\u00adFORMATION TO RECEIVE RESTITU\u00adTION FROM $700 MILLION GOOGLE SETTLEMENT:<\/p>\n

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert notify\u00ading New Yorkers of new information and in\u00adstructions to receive funds from a $700 million settlement with Google secured by Attorney General James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general. In December 2023, At\u00adtorney General James and the coalition se\u00adcured the settlement with Google for harming consumers for years by suppressing competition and unfairly raising prices. At\u00adtorney General James co-led a bipartisan coalition in suing Google in 2021, alleging that it unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app pay\u00adment processing for Android devices, and used its monopoly power to charge con\u00adsumers as much as 30 percent in fees for pur\u00adchasing apps and making in-app purchases. If the settlement is approved by the court, the majority of the settlement funds will be used to pay consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google\u2019s anticompetitive conduct. Google will also make changes to stop its anticom\u00adpetitive practices that harmed consumers and app developers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen big corporations use their mo\u00adnopoly power to stifle competition and raise costs, consumers pay the price,\u201d said Attor\u00adney General James. \u201cFor years, Google took advantage of its control over its app store to overcharge its customers and box out com\u00adpeting developers. I urge all New Yorkers who may be eligible for restitution to follow the settlement instructions to ensure they get their money back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Google has already paid $630 million into a settlement fund. Beginning December 2, 2025, consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google\u2019s anticompetitive practices received notices about the claims process for the set\u00adtlement funds. Affected consumers may not have to do anything to receive a payment from the settlement fund. The settlement fund will make the majority of payments au\u00adtomatically, and no claim form is necessary in most cases.<\/p>\n

Once the settlement has been approved by the court, consumers will receive an email from PayPal or a text from Venmo no\u00adtifying them of their incoming payment at the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that email address or phone number is also associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then the payment will be made directly to that account. If that email address or phone number does not match an email address or phone number associated with a PayPal or Venmo account, then consumers have the option to create a new account or direct the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number.<\/p>\n

There will be a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who ei\u00adther:<\/p>\n

\u2022Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;<\/p>\n

\u2022No longer have access to the email ad\u00address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or<\/p>\n

\u2022Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.<\/p>\n

If consumers would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email ad\u00address, and mobile phone number on the set\u00adtlement website.<\/p>\n

Attorney General James encourages all affected consumers to keep track of impor\u00adtant upcoming dates in the settlement process:<\/p>\n

\u2022Consumers who do not want to receive payment from the settlement fund and want to bring their own case against Google must submit a request to be excluded online or in writing by February 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

\u2022Consumers who want to object to the settlement can file a written objection by February 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

\u2022The court will hold a hearing on April 30, 2026, to consider whether to approve the settlement.<\/p>\n

BRIAN ROMERO KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR ASSEMBLY DIS\u00adTRICT 34:<\/p>\n

Campaign hits matching funds threshold, secures key endorsements, and hires staff<\/p>\n

Brian Romero officially launched his grassroots-powered campaign for the 34th Assembly District. With over 100 supporters and community members in attendance at Hombre\u2019s Lounge in Jackson Heights, Romero, joined by Assembly Members Jes\u00adsica Gonz\u00e1lez-Rojas and Catalina Cruz, made the case for his candidacy. Romero of\u00adficially launched strong in the race with en\u00addorsements from: Assembly Member Jessica Gonz\u00e1lez-Rojas AD34; Assembly Member Catalina Cruz AD39; Assembly Member Tony Simone AD75; Former Coun\u00adcil Member Danny Dromm; NYC Council Member Sandy Nurse; NYC Council Mem\u00adber elect Justin Sanchez; Woodside Houses NYCHA TA President Tammy Reyes. That same evening, Romero\u2019s campaign an\u00adnounced that the campaign hit the qualifying threshold of in-district donations and be\u00adcame eligible to participate in the state\u2019s campaign matching funds program, hitting the critical milestone well in advance of the January filing deadline.<\/p>\n

RAJKUMAR\u2019S STATEMENT ON FIVE-ALARM FIRE IN HER DIS\u00adTRICT:<\/p>\n

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar: \u201cLate Monday night, a devastating fire tore through Richmond Hill in my district, dis\u00adplacing 19 residents and injuring two people. The blaze escalated into a five-alarm fire across four buildings, causing catastrophic damage and leaving families without homes. My heart is with every person affected.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been in direct contact with the 102nd Precinct, FDNY Engine 294\/Ladder 143, and the American Red Cross. I will con\u00adtinue working closely with all responding agencies to ensure every displaced resident receives the urgent support and long-term as\u00adsistance they need during this incredibly dif\u00adficult time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFires of this magnitude have become far too common, in large part due to the rapid spread through cocklofts\u2014an ongoing haz\u00adard that has fueled multiple fires in our com\u00admunity. That is why I introduced the Residential Structure Fire Prevention Act (A1753), which provides financial support for homeowners to eliminate these danger\u00adous spaces. We must pass this bill now to prevent future tragedies and save lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the families affected: I stand with you, and will do all I can to help you with the resources, stability, and support you need.<\/p>\n

\u201cI extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 200 brave firefighters and EMS personnel who responded to this horrific blaze. Your courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication protect our commu\u00adnity every single day. We are profoundly grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

GOV HOCHUL ANNOUNCES HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE:<\/p>\n

Eligible Households Could Receive up to $996 To Help Keep Their Homes Warm This Winter.<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today an\u00adnounced that New Yorkers can now begin applying for heating assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program to help defray the high cost of heating their homes during the winter. The program, known as HEAP, can provide up to $996 to eligible households, depending on how they heat their home.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs temperatures have already begun to drop, it\u2019s disgraceful that the federal govern\u00adment took so long to provide federal funding for critical heating assistance for families across the state,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cHardworking New Yorkers count on this assistance to help with their utility bills and keep their homes warm during the cold win\u00adter months. That\u2019s why I fought hard to re\u00adstore this funding and will continue to do everything in my power to help New York families apply for additional state funding to bring down energy costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many households automatically receive a HEAP payment due to their enrollment in other programs. OTDA prepared those auto\u00admatic payments ahead of time and these households can now be assured that a HEAP payment will soon be made to their heat sup\u00adplier without needing to apply or take any additional action.<\/p>\n

Eligible households can receive one Regular HEAP benefit per season and could also be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility services shut off. Applications for the additional emergency benefits will be accepted begin\u00adning January 2, 2026.<\/p>\n

The benefit amounts vary, with a maxi\u00admum of $996, based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household contains a vulnerable member. A family of four can have a maximum gross monthly in\u00adcome of $6,680, or an annual gross income of $80,165, and still qualify for assistance.<\/p>\n

Applications for assistance are accepted at local departments of social services and can be submitted online, through the mail, or in person. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can con\u00adtact their local office for the aging or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.<\/p>\n

More than 1.5 million households re\u00adceived a Regular HEAP benefit last year. As\u00adsistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n

Governor Hochul also urged more New Yorkers to enroll in New York State\u2019s Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which pro\u00advides up to $500 in annual discounts on en\u00adergy bills. The State\u2019s EAP already serves approximately one million households statewide, but state officials estimate that ap\u00adproximately 1.5 million more households are eligible to receive a discount. New Yorkers can visit ny.gov\/EAP to learn about eligibil\u00adity and enrollment.<\/p>\n

HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NY BRICKS GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECTS STATEWIDE:<\/p>\n

Projects Promote Physical Health, Men\u00adtal Well-Being, and Community Connections for Families, Children and Seniors<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today an\u00adnounced 30 awards totaling $100 million through the Building Recreational Infra\u00adstructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program. The grants will support municipalities and non\u00adprofit organizations across New York State in building or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults. The awards, which will benefit nearly 400,000 New Yorkers across the State, are funded from the $100 million NY BRICKS program, which Governor Hochul secured in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget.<\/p>\n

In Queens, the recipients are:<\/p>\n

\u2022Queens Community House \u2013 $5 million to support renovations at the community center located at 67-09 Kissena Boulevard in Queens.<\/p>\n

\u2022Sunnyside Community Services, Inc. \u2013 $825,965 to support renovations at the com\u00admunity center located at 43-31 39th Street in Queens.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, we\u2019re delivering on our commit\u00adment to build stronger, healthier communi\u00adties in every corner of New York State,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cNY BRICKS grants will create affordable and accessible spaces where kids can play, families can connect, and seniors can stay active and engaged. I\u2019m proud to see this funding reach 30 commu\u00adnities, and I look forward to seeing these centers come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

The NY BRICKS program emphasizes the need for equitable, high-impact commu\u00adnity centers that support youth, families, sen\u00adiors and disadvantaged communities through accessible recreational programming, safe gathering spaces, and essential services such as childcare, eldercare, and mental health support. All awarded projects require a 20 percent matching contribution from recipi\u00adents.<\/p>\n

HOCHUL\u2019S DISTRACTION-FREE SCHOOLS LAW DELIVERING OUT\u00adSTANDING RESULTS:<\/p>\n

Governor\u2019s Office Received Over 350 Responses From Schools Statewide That Im\u00adplemented Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Restric\u00adtions This Year; 92 Percent Reported Smooth Transition to Distraction-Free Learning; 83 Percent Reported More Positive Classrooms and Better Student Engagement; 75 Percent Reported Improvement in Their Ability To Teach Effectively.<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today an\u00adnounced new survey results showing that her nation-leading distraction-free schools law is already having a transformative impact for students and teachers at schools throughout New York State. The Governor\u2019s Office dis\u00adtributed the survey in November and re\u00adceived over 350 responses from school administrators statewide that implemented bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions follow\u00ading Governor Hochul\u2019s distraction-free schools law.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur kids are finding greater success in the classroom when they\u2019re focused on learning, not scrolling,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cThis year, I was proud to champion a statewide distraction-free schools initiative, working hand-in-hand with New York teach\u00aders, students, and parents to create a policy that works for each community across our state. These survey results are indicative of that effort, illustrating the effectiveness of our tailored approach to phone-free schools, and offer a glimpse of the success to come for our students.\u201d<\/p>\n

State Senator John Liu said, \u201cThis data should hang up all doubt about taking cell phones out of schools from bell to bell. As cell phones become more involved into everyday life, we\u2019re only now beginning to understand how our over-reliance on this new technology can be harmful to our young peo\u00adple, especially when it comes to social media. Making sure our kids are able to learn without the persistent distractions from cell phones will keep our kids focused, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and allow them to fully engage with their teach\u00aders, classmates and the world around them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Governor Hochul\u2019s Phone-Free Schools Initiative:<\/p>\n

Recognizing the necessity of ensuring safe and productive learning environments for students and educators, Governor Hochul advanced legislation to create a statewide standard for distraction-free school environ\u00adments and secured its passage in the FY2026 budget. New York is now the most populous state in the U.S. with a statewide, bell-to-bell restriction.<\/p>\n

HOCHUL ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PHASE ONE OF CREEDMOOR REDEVELOP\u00adMENT:<\/p>\n

First Phase RFP Seeks Developer for 100% Affordable Development; Includes Af\u00adfordable Rentals, Homeownership Units, Supportive Housing for Veterans; Request for Proposals Available Here; Submission Deadline March 18, 2026 by 2:00 PM; Proj\u00adect Advances Governor\u2019s Vision To Unlock State Land for Housing.<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today an\u00adnounced the release of a Request for Propos\u00adals (RFP) for the first phase of the Creedmoor Mixed-Use Project, seeking a developer to transform underutilized State-owned land in eastern Queens into a vibrant, mixed-use community. The RFP, released by Empire State Development, calls for devel\u00adopment proposals that include affordable rental units along with affordable homeown\u00adership opportunities, community facilities, retail space, on-site parking, and open space. This milestone follows recent approvals of the Master Plan by both the ESD Board and the Public Authorities Control Board. Build\u00ading on the community-driven Creedmoor Community Master Plan, this project will deliver transformative housing and neigh\u00adborhood amenities to address Queens\u2019 urgent housing needs. The RFP is available on ESD\u2019s website, and proposals are due March 18, 2026 by 2:00 PM.<\/p>\n

\u201cCreedmoor represents an opportunity we must seize to address our housing crisis: repurposing underused State land into new affordable homes for the families who need them. With this RFP, we\u2019re advancing a community-driven plan that delivers hous\u00ading, open space, and services while strength\u00adening the fabric of Eastern Queens,\u201d Gover\u00adnor Hochul said. \u201cMy administration re\u00admains committed to working hand-in-hand with local residents and leaders as this proj\u00adect moves forward. Creedmoor will help build a more affordable, more livable future for this community and for our State.\u201d<\/p>\n

The RFP seeks proposals for a 100% af\u00adfordable mixed-use development that meets critical community priorities identified through the Creedmoor Community Master Plan (CCMP), published in December 2023. The CCMP reimagined an underutilized por\u00adtion of the Creedmoor campus through a col\u00adlaborative planning process led by ESD in consultation with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Over 400 attendees and more than 30 local organizations participated in planning workshops and community vi\u00adsioning meetings, ensuring the plan reflected the priorities of surrounding neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

The first phase is located along the Hill\u00adside Avenue frontage of the Creedmoor cam\u00adpus, extending into the campus along Avenue C. This placement enables the first phase to begin connecting the development to the surrounding community and existing City infrastructure, including streets and water, storm, and sanitary networks. The site currently contains six vacant or partially oc\u00adcupied buildings designated for demolition, along with existing roadways and surface parking lots.<\/p>\n

ESD will host a site tour on December 17, 2025 for interested developers. Those wishing to attend must RSVP to Creed\u00admoor2025RFP@ esd.ny.gov by December 15, 2025 by 6:00 PM.<\/p>\n

As part of the Governor\u2019s $500 million Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (NY-RUSH) initiative, funding is available to offset the cost of building out in\u00adfrastructure and utilities needed to facilitate development of the site. Eligible items in\u00adclude building demolition, roadway and util\u00adity construction and demolition, parking construction, and open space development.<\/p>\n

The Creedmoor Mixed-Use Project is lo\u00adcated in the Bellerose neighborhood of east\u00adern Queens at 79-25 Winchester Boulevard. The site is part of the larger 125-acre Creed\u00admoor Psychiatric Center campus, which dates to 1908 and has been largely underuti\u00adlized for decades as the State modernized and consolidated mental health operations. The redevelopment will not compromise the continued delivery of mental health and de\u00advelopmental disability services provided by the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Office for People With Developmen\u00adtal Disabilities on other portions of the cam\u00adpus.<\/p>\n

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, \u201cThe revised plan\u2019s Phase One will help se\u00adcure much-needed affordable housing for our borough that reflects the priorities resi\u00addents have lifted up for years. I thank Gov\u00adernor Hochul and Empire State Development for advancing a plan that en\u00adsures State resources are used to meet the needs of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, \u201cToday\u2019s RFP release is another meaningful step toward transforming Creedmoor into the kind of community eastern Queens has long envisioned. Residents have consistently called for more affordable housing, real homeownership opportunities, supportive services for veterans, open space and neigh\u00adborhood serving amenities. This first phase begins to turn those priorities into tangible opportunities for families, seniors and long-time community members who want to re\u00admain here. I commend Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for keeping com\u00admunity input at the forefront of this process and I look forward to continuing this work as the redevelopment moves ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION MAKING LIFE-SAVING MEDICAL CARE MORE AFFORDABLE AND AC\u00adCESSIBLE FOR NEW YORKERS:<\/p>\n

Legislation S2000A\/A1195A Requires Health Insurance Policies to Provide Cov\u00aderage for Follow-Up Screening or Diagnos\u00adtic Services for Lung Cancer at No Cost to Patients.<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to make life-saving medical care more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers. Legislation S2000A\/A1195A re\u00adquires health insurance policies to provide coverage for follow-up screening or diag\u00adnostic services for lung cancer, and prevents insurance policies from imposing cost-shar\u00ading for those services. The legislation builds on the Governor\u2019s affordability agenda, which includes a ban on co-pays for critical medications like insulin and inhalers.<\/p>\n

\u201cLung cancer is one of the deadliest can\u00adcers in the nation, and the last thing a patient should have to worry about is out-of-pocket costs for critical follow-up screenings,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cSigning this legis\u00adlation means that thousands of New Yorkers can focus on what is truly important: their health and well-being. With this law, New York is making clear that no one should face financial barriers to getting the care they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths statewide. Each year ap\u00adproximately 13,900 New Yorkers are diag\u00adnosed with lung cancer and about 7,400 die from this disease.<\/p>\n

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., said, \u201cToday, New York takes an important step toward saving lives and empowering residents to take control of their health. By Governor Hochul signing this bill, that I am thankful to have introduced in the Senate, we strengthen our commitment to early detec\u00adtion, one of the most effective tools we have against lung cancer, while also ensuring no one is forced to choose between their finan\u00adcial security and their well-being. In addition to prevention, accessible and affordable screening is equally critical to reducing mor\u00adtality. I am grateful for the bipartisan support behind this bill and for the Governor\u2019s ac\u00adtion. Together, we move closer to a future where lung cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and far less devastating for New York families.\u201d<\/p>\n

JOSEPH P. ADDABBO FAMILY HEALTH CENTER ASKS GOV HOCHUL TO STRENGTHEN SUP\u00adPORT FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS:<\/p>\n

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center was one of more than 70 Community Health Centers across New York State to sign a let\u00adter from the Community Health Care Asso\u00adciation of New York State (CHCANYS) to Governor Kathy Hochul, outlining urgent budget and policy actions needed to sustain New York\u2019s frontline health care safety net.<\/p>\n

With recent federal changes expected to triple the number of uninsured New Yorkers seeking care at Community Health Centers, the letter emphasized that the State must act now to maintain access to primary, preven\u00adtive, behavioral health, women\u2019s health, and dental services relied upon by millions.<\/p>\n

CHCANYS\u2019 budget and policy priorities focus on addressing longstanding underin\u00advestment and removing barriers that impede patient access. Key requests include:<\/p>\n

\u2022Modernizing Medicaid reimbursement for Community Health Centers, which cur\u00adrently rely on rates based on 1999\u20132000 cost data. CHCANYS is calling for a $300 mil\u00adlion investment to update the methodology, ensure financial stability, and allow CHCs to expand services.<\/p>\n

\u2022Protecting the federal 340B Drug Dis\u00adcount Program by safeguarding CHC sav\u00adings from restrictive drug manufacturer and PBM practices. Legislation (A6222\/S1913) would preserve access to discounted medica\u00adtions and critical reinvestments in patient care at no cost to the State.<\/p>\n

\u2022Ensuring fair telehealth reimbursement, restoring CHCs\u2019 full Medicaid rate to strengthen behavioral health access, support workforce retention, and meet high patient demand for remote care.<\/p>\n

\u2022Authorizing Medical Assistants to ad\u00administer vaccines (A5460B\/S5340A), ex\u00adpanding capacity for timely immunizations and easing care-team bottlenecks\u2014an initia\u00adtive the Governor advanced last year and is encouraged to include again.<\/p>\n

LINDA LEE PASSES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:<\/p>\n

Today, the New York City Council passed legislation aimed at significantly im\u00adproving mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the city\u2019s workforce, par\u00adticularly within the construction and trades sectors.<\/p>\n

Introduction 1384, sponsored by Coun\u00adcil Member Linda Lee, requires construction site safety training to include instruction on mental health and wellness, suicide risk and prevention, and alcohol and substance mis\u00aduse.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery day in New York City, construc\u00adtion workers strap on their hard hats and step onto job sites to quite literally build our city,\u201d said Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction. \u201cWhile we rec\u00adognize the dangers of falling scaffolding and heavy machinery, we too often overlook the invisible risks \u2013 crushing stress, isolation, and long hours. Int. 1384 is about saving lives by ensuring site safety training includes education on mental health, suicide preven\u00adtion, and substance misuse. Construction is the backbone of our city, and these workers deserve not just our gratitude but our action. I am grateful to Speaker Adams and my col\u00adleagues for partnering to confront this over\u00adlooked crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each year, more than 5,000 construction workers die by suicide \u2013 a rate five times higher than deaths resulting from job-site ac\u00adcidents or injuries. Physically demanding work, irregular schedules, and workplace cultures that minimize mental health chal\u00adlenges contribute to heightened levels of stress, isolation, and depression, leaving this workforce disproportionately affected.<\/p>\n

One in five New Yorkers experiences a mental health condition or substance use dis\u00adorder, with many going untreated. Both men\u00adtal illness and substance misuse are highly treatable when people are connected to care. New Yorkers in crisis can call 988, the city\u2019s free, confidential, 24\/7 hotline to receive im\u00admediate counseling and support from trained behavioral health professionals.<\/p>\n

LIU SECURES $2 MILLION IN FUNDING TO KCS:<\/p>\n

Korean Community Services of Metro\u00adpolitan New York, Inc. (KCS) held a press conference on Tuesday, December 2 at 11:00 AM at the KCS Bayside Headquarters to of\u00adficially announce that the organization had secured $2 million in New York State fund\u00ading, made possible through the support of New York State Senator John C. Liu. This funding will be used for the long-awaited construction of an elevator at the Bayside building.<\/p>\n

This investment marked a pivotal turning point for KCS as the organization continues to expand programs and services for the community. Without an elevator, the non\u2013 ADA-compliant basement level has re\u00admained largely inaccessible for residents who require mobility support. These limita\u00adtions have affected not only senior services but also youth programming, adult educa\u00adtion, workforce development, family sup\u00adport, health benefit counseling, and community events\u2014programs that rely on full use of the building.<\/p>\n

The installation of an elevator will allow KCS to fully utilize every floor of its facility, creating a safe, equitable, and accessible en\u00advironment for all generations. This infra\u00adstructure upgrade is essential for KCS as it strengthens its role as an \u201cOpen Community Hub,\u201d a welcoming space where children, youth, adults, seniors, and new immigrants can access the programs and resources they need.<\/p>\n

\u201cKCS has been waiting years for this es\u00adsential improvement, and this $2 million award finally allows us to move forward,\u201d said Myoungmi Kim, President & CEO of KCS. \u201cWe are now able to build an accessi\u00adble environment where every community member\u2014from children to seniors and new immigrants\u2014can safely and comfortably participate in our programs. This announce\u00adment represents an important moment for KCS\u2019s future, and we are honored to share this milestone with the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

NY State Senator John Liu stated: \u201cFor over 50 years, KCS has supported our com\u00admunity with an array of programs serving immigrant New Yorkers here in Queens and beyond. This new elevator is sure to mod\u00adernize their facility and open the door to more seniors, children, and others who re\u00adquire mobility support. Happy the Senate could support the KCS mission with this capital project and elevate their ability to serve even more neighbors with new oppor\u00adtunities and improved accessibility while en\u00adsuring its facilities can keep pace with the ever-changing needs of our community for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Board Chair Danny Kim mentioned that: \u201cWith this critical support, we can now move forward with infrastructure improve\u00adments that ensure KCS remains a sustain\u00adable, welcoming, and fully accessible space for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

MENG SECURES $850,000 FOR SELFHELP\u2019S MARTIN LANDE HOUSE SENIOR RESIDENCE IN FLUSHING:<\/p>\n

Selfhelp Community Services today an\u00adnounced that Congresswoman Grace Meng has secured $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding to support essential capital improvements at Martin Lande House, a Selfhelp affordable senior residence in Flushing, Queens. The announcement was made during a ceremony today at the build\u00ading, where Meng was joined by Coun\u00adcilmember Sandra Ung, leaders from Selfhelp and Selfhelp Realty Group, and dozens of building residents.<\/p>\n

Since 1970, older adults in Queens have called the Martin Lande House home, but with age, the building requires upgrades to ensure the safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability to serve its nearly 300 residents. The federal funds will support repairs to the building fa\u00e7ade. The renovations will improve the building\u2019s safety and enhance the quality of life for res\u00adidents.<\/p>\n

\u201cAddressing the needs of seniors has been a priority of mine in Congress and this includes securing money for crucial projects like this one at the Matin Lande House,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). \u201cI am proud to deliver this critical funding to Self\u00adhelp so that it can continue providing high- quality, affordable housing to older adults. These critical upgrades will improve the safety and comfort of building residents and make the property more energy efficient. I thank Selfhelp for the tremendous work it does at the Martin Lande House, and its con\u00adtinued commitment to creating and preserv\u00ading homes that are affordable, dignified, and built for the needs of older adults.\u201d<\/p>\n

The funding will enable Selfhelp to begin repairing its exterior fa\u00e7ade; the main\u00adtenance is a prerequisite for future work to make the building more environmentally sustainable, including enhanced insulation, which will help reduce energy use and keep the property in compliance with New York State energy codes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis investment recognizes the essential role that affordable senior housing plays in keeping older adults healthy, independent, and connected,\u201d said Lisa Trub, Executive Director of Selfhelp Realty Group & The Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing. \u201cWe are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Meng for championing the needs of older New Yorkers. This funding is instrumental to making key building improvements that will strengthen the Martin Lande House for decades to come, ensuring that our residents can continue to age with dignity in the com\u00admunity they call home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFacilities like the Martin Lande House give our seniors the opportunity to age in place in communities where they feel wel\u00adcome and supported,\u201d said Councilmember Sandra Ung. \u201cThis investment will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the res\u00adidents who call this building home, ensuring they can continue to live safely and comfort\u00adably. Thank you to Congresswoman Grace Meng for her leadership and support. This federal funding is yet another example of her unwavering commitment to Flushing\u2019s sen\u00adiors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Selfhelp Realty Group (SRG) has ex\u00adpanded its housing portfolio in recent years, deepening its commitment to affordable sen\u00adior living and community revitalization. In September, SRG broke ground on The Perennial, co-developed with Foxy Manage\u00adment to bring 144 affordable homes to the site of the blighted Parkway Hospital in For\u00adest Hills. And in November 2024, SRG and BFC Partners opened the doors to The Pearl, an affordable residence on Staten Island that reserved 138 homes for formerly homeless seniors.<\/p>\n

SRG is a nonprofit developer with 19 af\u00adfordable senior residences across New York City and Long Island. Each site, including Martin Lande House, integrates onsite social services through Selfhelp\u2019s Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM).<\/p>\n

About Selfhelp Realty Group |The Melamid Institute for Affordable Housing increases aging New Yorkers\u2019 access to housing by building and preserving afford\u00adable housing for older adults, with access to onsite social services through Selfhelp Ac\u00adtive Services for Aging Model (SHASAM) to support residents living with dignity and independence. The Selfhelp Realty Group is a nonprofit developer with 19 buildings and 1,900 residents across New York City and Long Island. Selfhelp Realty Group is the housing arm of Selfhelp Community Serv\u00adices, a nonprofit that supports aging with dignity and independence for 25,000 adults through home care, affordable housing, and community-based programs. www.self\u00adhelp.net.<\/p>\n

LIU STATEMENT ON GAMING FACILITY LOCATION BOARD:<\/p>\n

State Senator John Liu stated the follow\u00ading about the Gaming Facility Location Board\u2019s decision to grant three downstate casino licenses:<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s meeting of the state\u2019s Gaming Facility Location Board caps off a 13-year process which began with New York\u2019s voters approving a constitutional amendment au\u00adthorizing four upstate and three downstate casinos. No doubt voters understood the harms caused by gambling and casinos, like harms caused by other state-licensed activi\u00adties. Ultimately, the decisions in the voter referendum back then through today\u2019s meet\u00ading weighed costs versus benefits, specifi\u00adcally those of casinos and gambling versus mass transit, public schools, well-paying jobs, and parks and other infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Senator Liu stated last week, \u201cI appreci\u00adate the passion with which some advocates oppose Metropolitan Park, but the proposal recently won formal support from the Com\u00admunity Advisory Council unanimously, and also has long been supported by the borough president, state assembly members, city council members, and all nearby Commu\u00adnity Boards. It should be noted that so-called \u2018public parkland\u2019 has actually been con\u00adtracted by NYC as a concrete parking lot for over a half-century and is obligated as such for at least the next 80 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

MEEKS UNVEILS BIPARTISAN CAPITAL FORMATION PACKAGE:<\/p>\n

Today, U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-D), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), and Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wag\u00adner (R-MO) unveiled the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation INVEST Act.<\/p>\n

Next week, the House of Representa\u00adtives will consider the INVEST Act. This bill includes more than 20 bipartisan bills that advanced out of the Committee. The INVEST Act will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepre\u00adneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, more than half of American households have exposure to the stock mar\u00adket, not as day-traders or large-scale market players, but as teachers, firefighters, nurses, and workers saving for the future through mutual funds, pensions, and retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs,\u201d Rep. Meeks said. \u201cStrengthening our capital markets is about improving the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on these in\u00advestments for long-term stability. This cap\u00adital formation package expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and for workers to grow their retirement savings and build real economic resilience. I appre\u00adciate the bipartisan collaboration that made this package possible, and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of the American people. At a time when fami\u00adlies are feeling the pressures of rising costs, these reforms are a meaningful step toward addressing the affordability crisis and em\u00adpowering people to secure their financial fu\u00adtures.\u201d<\/p>\n

MEEKS, KIM INTRODUCE LEG\u00adISLATION TO CRACK DOWN ON IL\u00adLEGAL FISHING FROM THE PEOPLE\u2019S REPUBLIC OF CHINA:<\/p>\n

Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Af\u00adfairs Committee, and Young Kim, Chair\u00adwoman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, today introduced legislation that would enforce sanctions and visa re\u00adstrictions on individuals and entities en\u00adgaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing is destroying global fisheries, as fleets of foreign vessels \u2013 largely from the People\u2019s Republic of China \u2013 exploit the waters near and some\u00adtimes within sovereign nations\u2019 economic zones, resulting in overfishing, ecological damage and significant economic distress.<\/p>\n

\u201cFleets of illegal fishing vessels are dev\u00adastating sensitive fish populations, harming food security and local economies around the world. Nearly half of these vessels, 44%, originate from China. If Beijing won\u2019t hold these exploitive vessels and individuals ac\u00adcountable, the U.S. must. That is why we\u2019ve introduced legislation that would grant the president power to impose sanctions on any individual or entity engaging in IUU fish\u00ading,\u201d said Meeks and Kim.<\/p>\n

LIU NAMED CHECK PILOT OF THE YEAR BY NY WING OF CIVIL AIR PATROL:<\/p>\n

On December 1, 2025, State Senator John Liu was presented with a plaque rec\u00adognizing him as \u201cCheck Pilot of the Year\u201d of the New York Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The presentation was made at a meet\u00ading of Falcon Squadron, the CAP unit based at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The honor had been bestowed upon Liu in absentia at the October 25 CAP conference in Lake George, NY. Liu is a pilot and flight instructor, and volunteers in CAP. He was named the 2024 New York Wing Standard\u00adization & Evaluation \u201cCheck Pilot of the Year\u201d for his outstanding contributions to aviation safety and pilot training. Liu is a member of the Falcon Squadron and, as a Civil Air Patrol check pilot, has committed countless hours to ensuring that fellow CAP pilots receive high-quality training, mentor\u00ading, and evaluation. His responsibilities in\u00adclude conducting orientation flights for high school and middle school CAP Cadets, and volunteering in various capacities to en\u00adhance pilot safety in the organization, play\u00ading a critical role in emergency services and community support.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Liu\u2019s dedication to mentoring and training pilots makes a significant im\u00adpact on our mission,\u201d said New York Wing Commander Col. Tom Carello. \u201cHis com\u00admitment ensures that our members are not only skilled but also prepared to respond in times of need.\u201d In addition to his instruc\u00adtional duties, Liu actively participates as a mission pilot, engaging in search and rescue operations and disaster relief missions across New York. His contributions high\u00adlight the vital role that the Civil Air Patrol plays in responding to local emergencies and supporting communities during crises. State Senator and CAP Captain John Liu, stated, \u201cThe Civil Air Patrol is an outstand\u00ading and essential organization that opens doors for young people interested in per\u00adforming life-saving duties like search and rescue, disaster relief, and national security support. As a volunteer flight instructor, it is enormously fulfilling to support the ad\u00advancement of aerospace education and give young cadets the chance to take flight as they pursue their dreams. I\u2019m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve and truly humbled at being given this tremen\u00addous honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

***CRIME BLOTTER***<\/p>\n

DRIVER IN DEADLY CRASH SEN\u00adTENCED TO 28 \u00bd YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON:<\/p>\n

Defendant Pinned Victim Between Two Cars After Attempting a K-Turn in Commer\u00adcial Pickup Truck on Dead-End Street<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Roosevelt Rose was sen\u00adtenced today to 28 \u00bd years to life in prison for a hit-and-run crash on Mother\u2019s Day in 2022 that resulted in the death of 49-year-old Florence Ngwu in front of her South Ja\u00admaica home.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cThe defen\u00addant behaved recklessly to the point of de\u00adpravity and without regard for the consequences of his actions on Mother\u2019s Day 2022 when he hit two parked cars while driving a commercial pickup truck \u2013 causing one vehicle to strike and kill Florence Ngwu. Prior to that day, Roosevelt Rose had never operated a vehicle of this size and power. We hope that today\u2019s sentence brings comfort and solace to Florence Ngwu\u2019s fam\u00adily.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose, 59, of 89th Avenue in Jamaica, was convicted by a jury in July of murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and leaving the scene of an incident without re\u00adporting. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise sentenced the defendant today to 28 \u00bd years to life in prison.<\/p>\n

According to the charges and trial testi\u00admony, on May 8, 2022, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the defendant was driving a white 2019 Ford F-550 truck on 120th Avenue, a dead-end street in South Jamaica. The truck belonged to a construction company and Rose had never driven such a vehicle before that day. The defendant attempted to turn the truck around by executing a three-point turn in front of Florence Ngwu\u2019s home. He hit a BMW belonging to Ngwu\u2019s daughter. The noise of the collision drew 49-year-old Ngwu and her daughter outside. They called police to report the damage. Instead of exit\u00ading the truck, Rose continued the attempt to turn the vehicle and hit the BMW again causing significantly more damage. The de\u00adfendant ignored the shouts of bystanders for him to stop. When Rose turned the truck parallel to the avenue to drive away, he ac\u00adcelerated and hit a parked Chevy Equinox and pushed it almost 15 feet. At the same time, Ngwu, her daughter, and a neighbor were walking away. Rose smashed the Chevy Equinox into the trio and drove away. Ngwu was pinned between the Chevy and another parked car. The impact lacerated her spinal cord, tore her brain stem and caused other critical injuries. She was taken to a hospital where she died the next day. Rose abandoned the truck outside a church about a mile and half away from the crash site. Video surveillance captured him exiting the truck and walking away.<\/p>\n

FLUSHING MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR VIOLENT ROBBERY OF QUEENS WOMAN:<\/p>\n

Michael Fan was Convicted in Absentia in May After Failing to Return to Court Dur\u00ading Trial; Defendant Apprehended in No\u00advember<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Michael Fan was sen\u00adtenced to 20 years in prison for a violent at\u00adtack on a Queens woman as she stood in front of her residence in 2022. Fan and his co-defendants tied up the victim, held her at knifepoint, and then burglarized her home. The defendant failed to return to court dur\u00ading trial in April and was convicted in ab\u00adsentia. He was apprehended in November.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cMichael Fan attacked a young woman, ransacked her home and thought he could get away with it. He thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system by defying a judge\u2019s instructions not to leave the courtroom during his trial and was convicted in absentia. I thank my pros\u00adecutors who secured this conviction and our law enforcement partners who never stopped looking for this defendant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fan, 25, of Farrington Street, Flushing, was convicted in absentia in May of bur\u00adglary in the first and second degrees, rob\u00adbery in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the second degree, and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gary Miret. Miret sentenced the defendant today to 20 years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision.<\/p>\n

On April 28, Fan appeared in court be\u00adfore Justice Miret. The case was adjourned for an afternoon call and the defendant was instructed not to leave the courtroom. The defendant later exited the building and failed to return to court. A bench warrant was is\u00adsued. He was then tried and convicted in ab\u00adsentia. Fan was apprehended in Kew Gardens Hills on November 7.<\/p>\n

Fan\u2019s codefendant Sihao Wang, 25, of Booth Memorial Avenue in Flushing, pleaded guilty on January 18, 2024, to at\u00adtempted robbery in the second degree. He was sentenced to two years in prison and two years post-release supervision. Code\u00adfendant Dong Ming Shi, 24, of 58th Avenue, also in Flushing, is believed to have fled the country.<\/p>\n

According to the charges, on September 7, 2022, around 3 a.m., the defendant along with two co-defendants, all dressed in black and wearing black masks, approached the 20-year-old victim in front of her home on Parsons Boulevard. The defendants grabbed her and then dragged her inside her apart\u00adment. While inside, Fan demanded the vic\u00adtim\u2019s cell phone at knifepoint and took her into a separate room where her hands were zip-tied together. The victim\u2019s partner, who was in the basement, observed the incident on video and called the police.<\/p>\n

When a responding officer arrived at the location he observed defendant Fan through a window. At that time the victim was able to release her hands from the zip ties and ran outside. The woman opened a gate that gave the police access to the building and all three defendants then fled the rear of the location. Defendant Wang was immediately appre\u00adhended and dropped an air pistol during the brief chase. The responding officer recov\u00adered the complainant\u2019s cellphone from Wang\u2019s pocket. Defendant Shi was appre\u00adhended minutes later by a responding NYPD lieutenant. As the lieutenant continued the search, he located defendant Fan under a deck in an adjacent backyard. Fan was ap\u00adprehended and approximately $1,441 was recovered from the defendant\u2019s pocket.<\/p>\n

FAR ROCKAWAY MAN CHARGED WITH GANG ASSAULT AND RIOT FOR BEATING MALBA HOME\u00adOWNER:<\/p>\n

Justin Aguilera and Unapprehended Others Allegedly Punched, Stomped and Kicked Victim Who Told Them to Leave the Front of His Home; Punched Victim\u2019s Wife for Trying to Intervene<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Justin Aguilera was ar\u00adraigned today on charges of gang assault, riot and other related charges for attacking a Malba man and his wife after the victims told the defendant and a group of others to disperse from in front of their property. The incident took place during a chaotic and il\u00adlegal car meetup that occurred in the quiet neighborhood after midnight on November 23.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cOur streets are shared spaces and they are never race\u00adtracks. My office will not allow illegal takeovers of our neighborhoods. This vio\u00adlent incident has outraged our city. As al\u00adleged, the defendant and others, during an unlawful meet up, gathered as a large group in and out of their vehicles, blocking traffic and driving in an illegal manner in a quiet residential neighborhood. When a home\u00adowner confronted the group and asked them to disperse from the front of his property he was mercilessly punched, kicked and stomped. The victim\u2019s wife tried to help her husband when she too was assaulted. I thank our police partners for apprehending this de\u00adfendant as we continue to look for all others involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aguilera, 19, of Cornaga Avenue in Far Rockaway, was arraigned today on a crimi\u00adnal complaint charging him with gang as\u00adsault in the first degree, assault in the first degree, gang assault in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, assault in the third degree, riot in the second degree and trespass. Queens Criminal Court Judge Glenda Hernandez ordered the defen\u00addant to return to court on December 10. If convicted of the top charge, Aguilera faces up to 25 years in prison.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, accord\u00ading to the charges and investigation, at ap\u00adproximately 12:40 a.m. on November 23, a homeowner heard a loud commotion outside his home on 11th Avenue in Malba and ob\u00adserved multiple motor vehicles spinning their tires and creating smoke in front of the corner property.<\/p>\n

The man went on his lawn, while hold\u00ading a baseball bat, and asked the group of 10 or more people to leave the area. The vic\u00adtim\u2019s wife was standing next to him. At that time, approximately six to eight individuals stepped onto the lawn and one individual threatened to kill the man by saying, \u201cI\u2019ll pop you. I\u2019ll put you six feet under. You\u2019re not hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

One person in the group began to walk toward the front door of the victim\u2019s resi\u00addence and the homeowner stepped in front of him. The individual then punched the vic\u00adtim, causing him to fall to the ground. A group of at least six to seven individuals, in\u00adcluding the defendant, allegedly began to punch, kick and stomp on the victim as he was on the ground. At one point, the victim\u2019s wife attempted to push the individuals away from her husband when the defendant al\u00adlegedly punched her in the mouth. The vic\u00adtim was taken to a local hospital where he received treatment for multiple rib fractures on the left side of his body, a fracture of the glenoid cavity and neck of his right scapula, a fracture of his thyroid cartilage, a fracture of his nasal bone, and swelling to the back of his head.<\/p>\n

The defendant and the unapprehended individuals fled the area.<\/p>\n

At approximately 3:53 a.m. that morn\u00ading, near the intersection of Union Turnpike and Utopia Parkway, a police officer ob\u00adserved Aguilera driving a white Chevy Sil\u00adverado with an obstructed license plate and taillights that were not illuminated. The de\u00adfendant wore a black hooded sweatshirt with a white-colored speedometer and the words \u2018Fastlane Fashion\u2019 on the clothing, and wore distinctive white, black and silver-colored sneakers. This clothing allegedly matched the clothing the defendant was wearing dur\u00ading the assault. The defendant\u2019s license was determined to be suspended, and he was placed under arrest for aggravated unli\u00adcensed operation of a motor vehicle. The de\u00adfendant was given a desk appearance ticket on November 23.<\/p>\n

After an extensive review of video sur\u00adveillance from the scene of the assault, the defendant was identified as one of the indi\u00adviduals who attacked the homeowner.<\/p>\n

Aguilera was apprehended in Far Rock\u00adaway by members of the NYPD.<\/p>\n

\u2014With contributions by Augusta Luger<\/p>\n

This column was originated by John A. Toscano.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a0 NORTH QUEENS HOMEOWNERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING NO\u00adTICE: Elections for the 2026 officers and board and holiday event…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":438541,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5122],"tags":[5229,405,403,5226,5225,5228,5227,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-438540","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-new-york","10":"tag-new-york-city","11":"tag-newyork","12":"tag-newyorkcity","13":"tag-ny","14":"tag-nyc","15":"tag-united-states","16":"tag-united-states-of-america","17":"tag-unitedstates","18":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","19":"tag-us","20":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115697199581308600","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=438540"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/438540\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/438541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=438540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=438540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=438540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}