Crime Rates Drop in Flushing – Although Many Residents Believe Otherwise

Despite a report from the NYPD’s Precinct 109 showing a decline in crime complaints, Flushing
residents believe crime is on the rise.

By Megha Gupta

 

Residents in Flushing, Queens are expressing their concerns over increasing crime, although a new report from the NYPD’s 109th precinct for October reveals a drop in overall crime complaints.

While crime data from that October 21st report reveals a 4.29% decrease in crime complaints over the past year, those on the street say they feel that crime is on the rise, pointing to personal experience as well as language barriers that they say often discourages them from notifying the police when crimes occur.

Assemblymember Ron Kim, who represents the district covering Flushing and Murray Hill, has acknowledged his constituents’ frustrations. “Overall, when you look at crime and safety, it hasn’t been worse,” said Kim, maintaining that crime rates in the district have declined during his 12 year tenure. “It’s actually on the decline. When you look at the data, it hasn’t been as bad as it has been in years.” But, he adds, “There’s a lot of fear mongering, and unfortunately, the fear mongering is very effective in politics around crime.”

In fact, recent crime reports from the 109th precinct, the only precinct that covers Downtown and East Flushing, show mixed results. Although crime complaints have decreased from 2,701 to 2,585 over the past year, there has been a 65.49% increase in complaints over the past 14 years. Murder rates declined by 33% in the last 14 years while robbery complaints soared by 53.6%.

Kim’s reassurances and NYPD statistics have done little to ease the discontent according to some of the district’s residents, who still believe that crime continues to rise. David Sun, an immigrant from China, says he has personally witnessed several incidents of theft and violent crime on Main Street, both in the past and more recently.

“The crime has been a little bit more than ten years ago,” he said. “I frequently see crimes like stabbings in this area. Many years ago, someone was killed on this street. I personally witnessed the incident, and I was the one who called the police. Last year, a person was killed in a nearby bar.”

Some attribute what they see as lawlessness to the increasing number of unlicensed street vendors crowding around Main Street. Myounghee Kim, an immigrant from South Korea who has lived in Flushing since 2009, chooses to avoid Main Street due to safety concerns.

“Old cards and everything, they sell on the street,” Ms. Kim said. “I don’t think [the vendors] have the authority. It’s not safe. They even block the roads, and it’s hard to pass by. That is the biggest problem, I think. Someone has to initiate something to resolve it.”

 

Perception v. Reality

Professor Ester Fuchs, an International and Public Affairs and Political Science professor at Columbia University who specializes in urban and social policy, explains that the divide in perception stems from the environment residents are exposed to.

“If it bleeds, it reads,” she said. “Crime is reported extensively and heavily in all the press that is considered local. Even when crime goes down, if you just read those papers, your perception will be that it’s going up. Subjective perceptions are often much more important than objective conditions.”

In Flushing, social media sites such as Facebook and WeChat serve as key information hubs, where residents are exposed to incidents of crime, often with little to no context. These kinds of posts go viral quickly as they are shared on several channels, further contributing to fears of rising crime.

“The difference between now and 10 to 15 years ago is the permeation of social media and instant gratification,” said Kim. “People are just eager to put something out there and really blow up an isolated incident.”

Language Barriers

Flushing, a district consisting of a 66.7% foreign-born population, is home to large populations of Chinese, Korean, and South Asian residents. Some residents say language barriers prevent many from calling the NYPD as 43.6% of individuals in District 40 have limited English proficiency.

Boss Li, founder and president of Flushing’s Public Safety Patrol, a civilian-led patrol team, pointed to several felonies he says he witnessed while on patrol, including robberies and break-ins, that have struck a nerve in the community. He says that many of these incidents aren’t reflected in the NYPD’s official crime reports since most victims fail to report to the police.

“It depends on the victim,” said Li. “Do they call the police to report the crimes? In our community, most is Chinese. I heard a lot when they got robberies, they got attacked. If they didn’t lose a lot of money or they didn’t get serious injury, they just let it go. The crime is still there, but the number, NYPD don’t know.”

“We always spread the word to the community,” said Li. “They don’t need to speak English. They can speak Chinese when they call 911. Or they can call us. I say they can call me for any crime. I just get a lot of calls about scams, and the victims don’t know how to report them.”

Politics in Crime

Republican critics of Kim’s policies have been outspoken about crime levels in the district. Despite the statistical decline in crime, Dr. Phillip Wang, Kim’s Republican challenger in the state assembly race, claims public safety has been poor since the passage of the Bail Reform Law in 2019. The law eliminates cash bail for many misdemeanors and low-level crimes, allowing those who cannot afford bail to be released while awaiting trial.

“This [law] caused a lot of lunatics out there running around robbing people and doing theft in people’s stores,” Dr. Wang said in conversation with Jenda Wu on Youtube. “I don’t understand what this law is protecting, who this law is protecting. Obviously it’s not protecting us. A lot of vendors, a lot of merchants and shops, a lot of Asian people in this area feel that this law is very devastating for the businesses.”

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Law School revealed there is no evidence that suggests felony cases rise after pretrial release is instated. The study found, among other things, a 6% decrease in new criminal cases over three years and a 15% decline in guilty plea rates. Regardless of such statistics, Dr. Wang continued to speak out on crime running rampant. Fuchs explains that this is a part of a strategy Republicans have been running on for years.

This is happening, she says, at many levels of politics, including at the governor’s race in 2022. “Hochul’s opponent, Lee Zeldin, ran on criminal justice policy,” she said, “sort of trying to make it look like Democrats were all part of the very left, progressive wing of the party and so called ‘soft on crime.’ Kim has been associated with this wing of the democratic party, and his opponents have been trying to saddle him with extreme left positions on crime.”

Fuchs says that although Kim’s association with certain criminal justice policies some in Flushing view as too “lenient,” his approach has changed in response to constituent concerns.

“He has strong ties to the community,” she said. “People know him. In fact, he’s been moderating his positions over time as certain approaches to bail and also to property crime have proven to be problematic.”

Next Stop, The Railway Diner and Cafe

Meet the Team Behind Maspeth’s Newest Diner
By: Molly Sword 
Teddy and Danielle were born and raised in Middle Village, grew up in and around the hospitality industry, got hitched, and then decided to bring their culture, creativity and experience together to create a Greek and Italian inspired diner in Maspeth named The Railway Cafe.

At the site of the old JR’s Coffee Shop at 58-16 59th Street in Maspeth is now the new Railway Diner.

The concept of a diner is quintessentially American, representing years of serving great american cuisine at affordable prices. Teddy and Danielle have taken that same spirit and added their own twist; with menu items such as the Greekster Wrap, Juicy Lucy Burger, Italian Panini, Fried Pickles, and more ; while still holding on to some diner menu classics such as the Greek gyro, philly cheesesteak sandwich, pastrami sandwich, buttermilk pancakes and of course a great selection of burgers.
Railway diner is a reflection of Maspeth, Queens itself, a beautifully diverse community that holds onto American values while embracing elements of personal heritage and culture.

The diner’s interior design pays homage to the early train industry. The design of original American diners came from the conversion of train lunch cars into fully fledged diners. This area in Maspeth is also where an old railway used to run and so the name is a way of remembering and commemorating the past. Railway diner is a testimony to American history keeping the tradition of a railway diner alive while incorporating modern flavours and ideas; such as the Colossal Waffle, which includes two waffles filled with ice cream, sprinkles and hot fudge.

Teddy and Danielle are not only local business partners but also partners in marriage, meaning that they spend a lot of time together both inside and outside of work, including finding the time to look after their two young boys. While for some, this may seem intense, when asked what it’s like to work together in a family owned business, they only had positive things to say.

In an interview with the Ledger, both Teddy and Danielle expressed how their ideas and support help one another to work through any operational problems and create amazing new menu items.
“It’s awesome,” said Teddy. “She brings a completely different outlook, and it really makes our team stronger,” said Teddy, who has decades of experience running food operations. Both have a history working in hospitality, and as they take on a new journey as business owners, they look forward to continuing to make Railway a great place to enjoy both classic and innovative menu items.

“An experience at a local diner is more than just the great food provided but friendly and personable customer service,” said Danielle. “Being a family led business means being part of a family every time you walk through the door,” Danielle added.

Whether you are being welcomed by Danielle or her father Mike Marciano (a well known queens local who may or may not be related to Rocky Marciano), Railway always makes you feel like family.

Railway Cafe is ultimately a well thought out combination of American tradition with contemporary and cultural twists. This family led business not only gives you great food and drink but also a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like a regular during your first visit.

The Railway Cafe is located at 58-16 59th Street in Maspeth, Queens and their phone number is (718) 866-0030. Follow their Instagram at @railwaycafenyc.

Queens Chamber of Commerce Hosts Business Resource Sharing Event at Queens College

Courtesy: Angelique Molina-Mangaroo

Participants of the Business Resource Sharing Event in front of the Tech Incubator building at Queens College.

By: Angelique Molina-Mangaroo

The Queens Chamber of Commerce held a business resource-sharing event at Queens College Tech Hub Incubator on Monday, October 10, which yielded business owners across Congressional District 6. The event, geared towards small business owners, met with service providers and support organizations to receive free assistance for their businesses.

“We have people that want to sustain and grow their business, but unfortunately, they can’t, because they don’t know the ins and outs. They don’t know they need human resources, and we can be there,” said Suzan King, Assistant Vice President of Business Resources at Queens Chamber of Commerce.

“I want to be able to give them the right guidance, the right foot in the door, and they can continue to pass down that business to generations.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is Queens largest and oldest business association that represents more than 1,400 businesses and over 150,000 employees. The Small Business Legal Desk Program within the Queens Chamber of Commerce holds business resource-sharing events across the district to conduct outreach to small business owners. It is funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration, which Representative Grace Meng secured. 

Some of the challenges business owners face within the district are language barriers, not knowing the resources available to them, and fear of reaching out for help due to immigration status. The business resource-sharing event aims to tackle these challenges by connecting them to free resources, such as legal, accounting and human resource services.

“The legal desk program really helped me get protection for trademarks to set up my company and not to have to pay thousands of dollars” said Marie Hoffman, a three-time business owner in Queens. 

Attendees of the business resource-sharing event were able to connect with lawyers, accountants and other professionals that will help guide them through the process of starting and sustaining a successful small business.

“I want them to grow,” said King.

“I want every block that used to have a business to have a business. And I want to hear that a mom-and-pop passed down their business for generations that their kids can take on.”

Subway Surfing’s Fatal Consequences: City Leaders Take a Stand against Subway Surfing

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

A tragic incident on October 27 has brought renewed attention to the perilous trend of subway surfing in New York City. Krystel Romero, a 13-year-old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a train at the 111 Street subway station, marking her as the sixth person to die from this reckless activity this year alone.

 

The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding the incident, which has added to the growing concern surrounding subway surfing, an act where individuals ride on top of moving trains. This dangerous trend has seen a disturbing increase within the last few years. The current year’s toll underscores an alarming pattern that has caught the attention of city officials and advocates alike.

Courtesy NY.GOV
A tragic incident on October 27 claimed the life of 13-year-old Krystel Romero, marking
the sixth death from subway surfing in New York City this year.

 

During a press conference, Janno Lieber, chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), issued a stark warning.

 

“Listen, this is not like a video game. You don’t get another chance; you can’t just reboot,” Lieber said. “This is one chance – if you do something stupid, you’re going to lose your life. Please, parents, teachers, other caregivers, make sure kids understand this is not a game. They cannot take chances with their lives.”

 

In response to the rising incidents of subway surfing, the MTA has been proactive in implementing measures aimed at curbing this behavior. A campaign titled “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” was launched to educate young people about the dangers associated with this reckless act. Shanifah Rieara, senior advisor for communications and policy at the MTA, addressed the ongoing efforts during a media roundtable earlier this year.

 

Rieara noted that the MTA started a campaign a year ago, using digital messages and voice recordings to warn students about the dangers of subway surfing. While the campaign has been effective, they plan to update it with a new version to further strengthen the safety message. Rieara emphasized the importance of ongoing outreach and collaboration with social media companies.

 

The city’s commitment to safety extends beyond educational campaigns. Mayor Eric Adams, alongside NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon and NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, has urged New Yorkers to call 911 if they witness subway surfing. The NYPD is employing data from these calls to deploy joint drone and field response teams to areas with the highest reports of subway surfing incidents.

 

The deployment of drones in the fight against subway surfing has emerged as a critical tool for enhancing public safety in New York City. Utilizing data from 911 calls, the NYPD has implemented drone surveillance to monitor and respond to incidents of subway surfing in real time. This innovative approach allows officers to identify individuals riding on top of moving trains and intervene before potential tragedies occur. To date, this program has proven effective, helping to save the lives of 114 individuals, with ages ranging from nine to 33 years old and an average age of 14. By combining technology with community engagement, the city aims to curb this dangerous trend and protect its youth from the severe risks associated with subway surfing.

 

“Subway surfing is a deadly trap, one that is endangering more and more young people who see others doing it on social media,” said Mayor Adams. “But those five minutes of online fame could lead to years of regret and pain, or a lifetime of trauma and heartbreak for a family that loses a child. Think about what riding on top of trains really means: the possibility of death and your family, in grief, wondering what more they could have done to protect you. Subway surfing kills — ride inside, stay alive.”

 

The city’s ongoing campaign, which launched in September 2023, includes a multifaceted approach involving the NYC Department of Education, the NYPD, and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. The initiative has been designed for and by New York City teenagers, putting their voices front and center in a peer-to-peer effort to deter dangerous behavior. The campaign’s messaging has reached all 1,800 New York City Public Schools, with posters and palm cards distributed to schools near the J, M, Z, and 7 train lines, which experience the most complaints regarding subway surfing.

Courtesy NY.GOV

In response, officials are ramping up safety campaigns and using drone surveillance to combat this dangerous trend, urging parents and young people to recognize the life-threatening risks involved.

 

As part of this comprehensive effort, various materials, including public service announcements recorded by students, digital signage in subway stations, and social media posts, are being utilized to spread awareness. The campaign’s effectiveness is bolstered by partnerships with major tech companies like Meta and Google, which have made space on their platforms to amplify the messaging. The collaboration aims to counteract the viral nature of subway surfing content that has proliferated on social media.

 

Amid these initiatives, concerns about the role of social media in promoting dangerous behaviors have prompted further action from the city. In February, Mayor Adams announced a lawsuit against several social media companies for their negative impacts on young people, citing subway surfing as a key example. This lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks to hold companies operating TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube accountable for their roles in creating the youth mental health crisis in New York City. The lawsuit alleges that these companies intentionally designed their platforms to manipulate and addict children and teens to their applications.

 

“Views on social media are not worth losing your precious life. Six young people have tragically died from subway surfing in 2024, including a 13-year-old girl on the 7 train earlier this week. The city must invest in more after school programs that give young people an engaging safe space and an outlet to grow their interests outside of the classroom,” said New York City Councilmember Julie Won. “In 2023, five young people died from subway surfing, and these deaths continue to increase every year. Last year I wrote a letter to the MTA New York City Transit urging them to take immediate action to prevent subway surfing, including locking train doors. As a mother of two young kids, I urge the state to revisit this request to protect our children and prevent future fatalities from subway surfing.”

Scenes of Daily life in the Brownsville Neighborhood of Brooklyn on Wednesday, October 18 , 2017. Edwin J. Torres/Mayoral Photography Office.

As the city grapples with this escalating crisis, the loss of young lives continues to serve as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in subway surfing. With city officials and community leaders rallying to combat this trend, the hope remains that through education, outreach, and active intervention, future tragedies can be prevented, ensuring the safety of New York City’s youth.

 

“Subway surfing, fueled by social media, has led to innumerable tragedies that have stolen far too many of our young people just entering the prime of their lives,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I commend any effort to protect young people by stopping them from engaging in this extraordinarily dangerous trend, and I look forward to working with our partners in education and law enforcement to combat this crisis.”

LaGuardia Community College Opens New Urban Farm, Finca La Florecita

LaGuardia Community College celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on October 30, a new urban farm aimed at enhancing education and addressing food insecurity.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on Oct 30, a new urban farm and research center designed to enhance the educational experience for students while addressing food insecurity in the community. The farm, named in honor of former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia—whose name means “little flower” in Italian—reflects the college’s commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 45% of its student body identifying as Hispanic. Finca La Florecita is located behind the college’s C-Building, at street-level on 47th Street between 29th and 30th Streets, in a lot that was previously a construction staging area.

LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams emceed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. Their presence underscored the importance of the project not only to the college but to the broader community.

“This program represents an equalization for underserved schools and students. Many students, especially low-income students, have never been to a farm. Here they can pick up vegetables and new skills,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “All it takes is one individual with a great idea. But in order to execute that idea and put it to work, it takes a whole village.”

Chancellor Matos Rodríguez expressed his enthusiasm for the newly built initiative.

“You couldn’t think of a better project in terms of hitting everything that’s important and beautiful about the work that we do in education and the work that we do at CUNY and LaGuardia,” said Rodríguez.

The event also featured a Living Land Acknowledgement from Sub-Chief Owl S. D. Smith of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, who was introduced by Estefany Gonzaga, director of LaGuardia’s Peer Mentor Program.

“This is land of the Lenape people. It’s not our land,” said Sub-Chief Smith. “I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge the land we are on than building an urban farm on it.”

The farm, named after former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, will serve as a hands-on learning space for students and provide fresh produce to the campus food pantry.

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees participated in hands-on workshops led by LaGuardia faculty and community partners. These workshops covered various topics, including flower pressing, botanical illustration, soil building, and Indigenous agricultural wisdom. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the land and learn about sustainable practices that can benefit both individuals and the community.

“When we support urban farms and community gardens, we are creating more equitable access for folks to be able to increase affordable health while also mitigating effects of climate change,” said Ms. Mickie, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Urban Agriculture. “When you are able to be on the land and connect to land and connect to your community, you are growing power as well. School gardens are learning gardens, learning gardens are community gardens, and all of our growing green spaces are vital and the lungs of our city.”

Finca La Florecita serves as a research and learning space for students enrolled in the Sustainable Urban Agriculture program. The farm includes a compost program and a high tunnel greenhouse that allows for year-round cultivation of produce. This innovative approach aims to extend the growing season and enhance food access in an urban environment. Students have already planted a diverse array of crops, including kale, Brussels sprouts, and culturally significant vegetables such as hot peppers and bok choy. These selections reflect the backgrounds and preferences of the students, fostering a sense of community and cultural relevance.

“A garden is a solution that leads to many other solutions,” said Ms. Vilamil, USDA’s NYC Urban County Executive Director.

In addition to supporting academic learning, La Finca is committed to addressing food insecurity in the local community. The farm will provide fresh produce to the LaGuardia CARES food pantry, which serves students and families in need. Each semester, three students will receive stipends to work as farm fellows, gaining valuable hands-on experience in urban farming careers. This initiative not only enhances their education but also equips them with skills relevant to emerging job opportunities in sustainable agriculture.

The project is supported by a $250,000 USDA grant awarded in 2021, which highlights the significance of urban farming in promoting climate resiliency and improving food access in New York City. As urban farming continues to gain traction, initiatives like La Finca are essential in creating sustainable food systems that benefit both residents and the environment.

LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, offers over 50 degrees and certificates aimed at enhancing socioeconomic mobility for its diverse student body. As it embraces innovative projects like Finca La Florecita, the college remains committed to its legacy of serving underserved populations and providing high-quality education that meets the needs of the community.

The Need for Permanent Homeowner Protection Program in New York

Courtesy  BPHA Caucus

A coalition of lawmakers, advocates, and homeowners gathered in Southeast Queens on October 30 to push for the permanent establishment of the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) in New York.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A coalition of lawmakers, advocates, and affected homeowners gathered on Oct 30 in Southeast Queens to urge the New York State government to make the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) a permanent fixture in the state’s housing support framework. 

Attorney General Letitia James was joined by members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, along with legal service providers and homeownership counselors, to emphasize the program’s critical importance in aiding vulnerable families facing housing crises.

Since its inception, HOPP has served as a vital resource for New Yorkers, providing free legal assistance to those grappling with foreclosure, predatory lending, housing discrimination, and real estate scams. The program also offers essential services such as homeowner retention counseling and loan modification assistance. According to James, HOPP has helped over 170,000 New Yorkers navigate these challenges, making it a crucial component of the state’s response to the ongoing housing crisis.

“As New Yorkers confront a housing crisis across the state, trusted support to help keep vulnerable people in their homes is more important than ever,” James said. “For over a decade, my office has helped the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) provide free legal services to over 170,000 New Yorkers in every county of the state. HOPP’s partner organizations help stop foreclosures, lower homeowners’ bills, and prevent frauds like deed theft. I thank Senator Kavanagh, Assemblymember Solages, and the members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus for their leadership in this effort to codify HOPP into law.”

The impact of the foreclosure crisis has been particularly pronounced in Southeast Queens, which suffered heavily during the 2008 housing market crash. In 2009 alone, more than 2,000 homes in the area were foreclosed. Today, Southeast Queens still experiences some of the highest foreclosure rates in the United States, making the need for HOPP’s services even more pressing.

To address this issue, the New York state budget allocated $40 million to HOPP for FY 2024-2025. However, this funding is seen as a short-term solution. New legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages and Senator Brian Kavanagh, seeks to make HOPP a permanent program, thereby securing ongoing funding for the future. The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate in June, and advocates are now calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.

“The Homeowner Protection Program has provided vital assistance to homeowners across the state, allowing families to stay in their homes and hold onto their most valuable asset,” Solages said. “Making HOPP permanent would allow these funds to be appropriated each year, giving homeowners, legal service organizations, and homeowner retention counselors the stability necessary to access and provide these services free of charge. Our most vulnerable New Yorkers, including the thousands of families in Southeast Queens who were hit hard by the foreclosure crisis, deserve a safety net that allows them to achieve and hold onto the dream of homeownership. I thank Attorney General James, Senator Kavanagh, my colleagues in the Caucus, and all the HOPP service providers for supporting this critical program and for standing up for homeowners in New York.”

Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson emphasized the broader implications of HOPP’s permanence.

“By making the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) a permanent part of New York’s housing support, we’re not just preserving homes—we’re safeguarding the stability of communities, especially in Southeast Queens and across Black and Brown neighborhoods. HOPP will empower our homeowners in Springfield Gardens, Queens, and families across Assembly District 31, who face among the highest rates of foreclosure in the county,” said Anderson. “Every dollar invested in HOPP saves New York fivefold in community costs, ensuring families understand and protect their rights to get the legal and financial support they need to stay home. Governor Hochul must sign this bill as an urgent step toward justice, economic strength, and securing futures for thousands of families.”

Courtesy  BPHA Caucus

Attorney General Letitia James emphasized HOPP’s critical role in providing free legal assistance to families facing foreclosure and other housing crises, having already helped over 170,000 New Yorkers.

Supporters at the press conference included various legal and housing advocacy organizations. Jacob Inwald, Director of Litigation-Economic Justice at Legal Services NYC, described HOPP as “New York’s most effective tool for preserving existing affordable homeownership.” He underscored the importance of funding for legal advocates who help prevent vulnerable homeowners from falling victim to scams, particularly in communities of color historically excluded from homeownership opportunities.

“HOPP is New York’s most effective tool for preserving existing affordable homeownership, and is its only tool for preventing deed theft and other scams targeting vulnerable homeowners at risk of mortgage and property tax foreclosure—primarily in communities of color that were historically excluded from homeownership by redlining,” Inwald said. “While recently enacted improvements to the law provide some new protections to those who have already been victimized by deed theft scammers, to prevent these scams in the first place funding the network of trusted advocates is crucial. That network ensures that struggling homeowners do not fall prey to scammers and it provides trusted, free services that lead to home-saving solutions that preserve affordable homeownership and intergenerational wealth, averts displacement, and fosters neighborhood stability.” 

Lori Miller, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, echoed the urgency for permanent HOPP funding, highlighting its role in stabilizing not only individual families but entire neighborhoods.

 “HOPP Program funding for foreclosure prevention counseling has been an invaluable resource to housing counseling and legal services agencies like Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, enabling us to provide foreclosure mitigation services to distressed homeowners,” Miller said. “Communities of color are often at a disadvantage when it comes to financial resources, which contributes to the homeownership gap. Foreclosure has a destabilizing effect on not only the family who loses their home, but the neighborhood as well.  Studies have shown that homeowners who received foreclosure mitigation counseling are more likely to obtain a mortgage modification and remain current on their mortgage after receiving one. Expanding and establishing  permanent funding for housing counseling and education programs can help address this gap by not only stabilizing homeowners who would have otherwise lost their homes but also by providing program participants with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to secure financial stability and homeownership.”

Courtesy  BPHA Caucus

Advocates are now urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would secure ongoing funding for HOPP, ensuring continued support for vulnerable communities.

As the press conference concluded, speakers collectively urged Governor Hochul to act swiftly in signing the legislation, reinforcing the necessity of HOPP for New Yorkers facing housing challenges. The call for permanent funding is not just about maintaining a program; it is about preserving the hope of homeownership for countless families across the state.

With the stakes so high and the need for supportive resources growing, advocates remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring that the Homeowner Protection Program becomes a permanent safety net for New York’s most vulnerable homeowners.

 

 

Will NY Determine Who Controls the House?

by Robert Hornak

The 2024 election is almost over. I’m sure many people would say

mercifully so. While a victory by former President Trump is looking

increasingly likely the talk has begun to turn toward who will control

Congress.

Republican control of the Senate looks like a near certainty. Of the 11 seats

up for election held by Republicans, including two open seats, only one

Republican is in danger of losing – Deb Fischer of Nebraska. She’s only up

by one point in the polls, but Trump is ahead in Nebraska by 16 points. It’s

very likely his strong performance will pull her across the finish line.

Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to defend 23 seats, including 7 open

seats. Of those, West Virginia’s open seat is considered an easy win for

Republicans, putting the Senate at 50-50. In Montana, another state Trump

will do well in, Democrat Jon Tester is down in the polls.

The respected Cook Political Report has rated the races in Michigan,

Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania as toss ups. And the seats in Arizona

and Nevada are only very narrow leads for the Democrats. If Republicans

run the table and see upset wins in the surprisingly close race in Maryland

and flip Virginia, they would be at 59 seats.

So, what are the chances that Republican can win the trifecta on Tuesday?

Pretty good, no matter what happens in New York.

Cook rates 25 House races as toss ups, 11 Democrats and 14

Republicans. These swing districts will have less to do with which

presidential candidate wins their state than with the local dynamics.

Excitement over the candidate at the top of the ballot can influence the

results down ballot, depending on the strength of their coattails.

Strong candidates for president have big coattails, sweeping many

candidates from their party into office. One rare exception was 2020, where

Democrats actually lost 11 House seats, setting up the 2022 election where

Republicans were able to take back control of the House by gaining 9 seats

that November.

 

In addition to the toss up races, Cook rates 11 blue seats as leaning

Democrat, or somewhat competitive. Meanwhile, there are only 6

Republican seats that are leaning Republican, with one incumbent’s race

rated as leaning Democrat. They also rate 16 Democrat seats and 10

Republican seats as likely wins for their respective party. Every other race

they rate as solid, or not even remotely competitive.

In all that’s 38 Democrat seats and 31 Republican seats that could be in

play. This is where the action is going to be on election night, and we are

likely to see a number of surprises. There are always incumbents that you

thought were a goner, but manage to hang on, and a couple that you were

sure to be re-elected that end up defeated.

Some of this will depend on the strength of presidential coattails in these

districts, with turnout certain to be affected by the enthusiasm each

candidate has generated. And on the enthusiasm meter, Trump seems to

have the advantage.

But ultimately it will depend on the strength of the individual candidates and

the races they run. So regardless of whether Republicans hold their seats

in New York or wind up losing two or three, the chances that Republicans

overall will pick up a number of seats around the country are very good and

we are likely to see a significantly larger Republican conference in the

House next year.

 

Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously

served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC

office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can

be reached at rahornak@gmail.com.

 

Adams Indictment Turns City into State of Confusion

by Robert Hornak

 

It’s been weeks since Mayor Eric Adams was indicted, and NYC’s future couldn’t be murkier. Right on cue, the calls for Adams to resign was immediate. No due process required.  AOC and her gang of far-left radicals, who never found Adams sufficiently far left enough, lead the charge along with people like Brad Lander and Scott Stringer who covet the office Adams now holds. Ulterior motives abound. 

 

Some are defending Adams and his right to due process, led by Adams allies Hazel Dukes from the NAACP and Al Sharpton, no stranger to corruption charges himself. Now Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, has come out on Adams behalf. 

 

Meanwhile, Adams has been defiant, proclaiming his innocence. So, if Adams refuses to resign, what happens next?

 

There are many possibilities. First, Gov. Hochul has the power to remove him according to chapter 1, section 9 of the City Charter, and as affirmed in 1932 by the court when FDR explored using it to remove Jimmy Walker. However, it’s unclear if Hochul wants to risk the backlash from Black Democrats. 

 

It’s also unlikely that the Democrats want to trigger a very unpredictable special election to replace Adams. The same goes for the Inability Committee provided for by the charter, consisting of five people, only one of whom would be appointed by someone who has called for Adams to resign. And it’s unlikely that Brad Lander would want next in line Jumaane Williams – who wasn’t even considering running for mayor next year – to become acting Mayor, giving him the chance to act mayoral for the non-partisan special election.  

 

A special election also opens the door for many wildcard candidates, including Andrew Cuomo, who has expressed interest in running in a special election knowing that his chances are far worse in the June partisan primary. Some members of the City Council may also get in on the action, wanting a platform for their issues or just to enhance their name ID, but can then still run for re-election to their council seat. 

 

However, should Adams hold on into the new year the opportunity for a special election runs out. The charter prohibits a special election once it gets within 90 days of the regularly scheduled primary, which would occur in late March – right in the middle of petitioning for anyone looking to run for the full four-year term. That makes petitioning for a seat like Public Advocate very messy, inviting people to jump into that race as well.

 

Democrats who need to make decisions on what office to run for next year will want a potential special election to be held by early February, which will require Adams removal no later than early December. Who wins that special will determine what November race they petition for later that month. 

 

There is no easy or clear path forward. Adams lawyers could negotiate a plea bargain sometime next year that would require him to plead guilty and resign, and we get an acting mayor, either Williams or Lander, until the end of the year. The only thing certain is that the timing of this has made a bad situation worse, nothing that anyone could have wanted. 

 

Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party.

 

New Lefrak City Library to Rise with Support with $1 Million Allocation

Courtesy Queens Public Library

Left to right: State Senator Jessica Ramos, CLM Sharon Diamond-Velox, Larinda Hooks, a candidate for the New York’s 35th State Assembly District, Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Council Member Francisco Moya and QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

The Queens Public Library celebrated Assembly Member Jeff Aubry on Friday, November 1, for his decades of dedicated service to the community and his pivotal support of the new Lefrak City Library. The event included a ceremonial check presentation commemorating Aubry’s generous $1 million capital allocation to the project.

 

Held outside the new 8,300-square-foot facility at 95-15 Horace Harding Expressway, the event underscored the significance of this new library in the community. The space, which previously housed a daycare center, is set to undergo extensive renovations estimated at $9.8 million, revitalizing an area previously impacted by the closure of the old library site on 57th Avenue after severe flooding from Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Courtesy Queens Public Library

Rendering of the future Lefrak City Library, set to transform the community with modern facilities and resources.

 

“For more than three decades, Assembly Member Aubry has been a staunch supporter of our libraries, giving millions of dollars in expense and capital funding to the branches in his district,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to him for yet another generous contribution, which will help us develop a new, inspiring space to serve the Lefrak City community for years to come. We thank him for his dedicated service to his district, our city and state.”

 

Joining the celebration were prominent figures including State Senator Jessica Ramos, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, as well as local candidate Larinda Hooks and Council Member Francisco Moya. The event also featured a rendering of the new Lefrak City Library, symbolizing a fresh start for library services in the neighborhood.

 

Aubry’s longstanding commitment to education and community development was highlighted, showcasing how public funding can help restore vital resources for residents. The new library is anticipated to serve as a cornerstone for learning and engagement, addressing the needs of the community and offering a safe, accessible space for all.

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