August 14, 2025 - Queens Ledger

Doctor Explains Legionnaires’ Disease Amid Deadly NYC Outbreak

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Courtesy NYC.Gov

3 Dead, 24 Hospitalized in NYC Legionnaires’ Cluster

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A recent cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Central Harlem has raised alarm in New York City as the Department of Health reports 81 infections, including 24 hospitalizations and three deaths, over the past two weeks. The outbreak has prompted plans to increase enforcement, penalties, and reporting requirements for building water systems suspected to be sources of infection.

Dr. Andrew Fleming, chief of infectious diseases and hospital epidemiologist at NYU Langone Health spoke extensively about the disease, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures amid the ongoing outbreak.

“As an infectious disease doctor, I see all sorts of patients with a variety of infections, including Legionnaires’ disease,” said Fleming. “It’s a subspecialty, I completed my training about three or four years ago, and I’ve been the hospital epidemiologist here for the last year and a half or so, and that involves investigating, outbreaks and performing preventive measures to reduce infections in the hospital.”

Courtesy Legionnaires Disease News

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella, which naturally inhabits water sources including rivers, lakes, and coastal seawater. The bacteria also thrive in man-made water systems. “We all are exposed to Legionella bacteria in small amounts all the time,” Fleming explained. However, only certain species typically cause human infection.

“The disease usually occurs when the Legionella bacteria in a water source become aerosolized — turned into a vapor — that people inadvertently breathe in,” he said. This aerosolization can happen through cooling towers, air conditioning systems, and water fountains.

Legionella bacteria can cause two types of illness: the more serious Legionnaires’ disease, which results in pneumonia, and a milder, self-limiting flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.

Fleming stressed the populations most at risk for serious infection: “People with compromised immune systems, those on immunosuppressive medications, older adults especially over 50, smokers, and individuals with pre-existing lung conditions are at increased risk.”

Why Now? Why Harlem?

Legionnaires’ outbreaks are more common in the summer months when water temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions favorable for bacterial growth. Additionally, increased use of air conditioning and cooling towers during hot weather creates opportunities for bacteria to spread.

“Cooling towers circulate water and release hot water vapor that can contain Legionella,” Fleming said. “There is actually a requirement in New York State for all conditioning water towers to be registered, and they are supposed to be treated yearly with with chlorine to reduce that risk of bacteria growth at least above a certain level. And so there’s lots of water towers around or cooling towers around the city. And if you’re not up to date on on your maintenance, that could be a potential risk. So in the summertime, we tend to think of those as major risk factors in New York City.

The current outbreak is localized to five zip codes in Central Harlem, complicating efforts to identify the exact source. “Water vapor from these cooling towers can actually distribute over quite a large area,’ Fleming said. “It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which cooling tower is the source. As of right now. I think the most you know critical thing for people to be aware of is that it does seem to be localized in one geographic area, in Central Harlem.”

Severity and Public Health Response

With three deaths confirmed and numerous hospitalizations, the outbreak is serious. The city’s Department of Health is “working very diligently to limit the scope” of the outbreak, Fleming said, though the exact source has not yet been identified.

The Health Department plans to intensify oversight of water systems linked to the spread of Legionella, imposing stricter enforcement and penalties to ensure compliance.

Symptoms and When to Seek Care

Legionnaires’ disease often begins like a common flu: fever, body aches, fatigue. However, if symptoms persist beyond two days, or if a person develops cough, headaches, diarrhea, or shortness of breath, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Myths and Misconceptions

Fleming highlighted a key misconception: “This is not a contagious infection. There is no person-to-person transmission. It’s not like COVID-19.” The risk comes exclusively from environmental exposure to contaminated water vapor. “So you cant get it from your neighbor or your roommate, but obviously those who are in an affected geographic area can have the same environmental risk factor if they are living near an infected cooling tower. So you still need to be aware of those and know that you know it is out there, and especially if you’re living in this area, know the symptoms to be on the lookout for, so that you can get started on treatment soon.”

Advice for Building Owners and Residents

Building managers and landlords are urged to ensure their cooling towers are tested and disinfected yearly as required, and to file the proper reports with the Department of Health.

“But obviously, there’s a lot of cooling towers, and the Department of Health only has so much capacity,” Fleming said. “So, a lot of this, you know, unfortunately, is the responsibility of the individual proprietors and owners of these cooling towers to to be aware of the regulations and make sure that they’re up to date.

Outlook

Fleming is optimistic that the outbreak will be controlled soon. “The fact that all of the cases so far seem to be localized in one specific geographic area, you know, I would say for the general public who don’t live in that geographic area, I don’t think there’s any cause for, you know, concern or alarm, it’s not going to spread to their area, and as long as the Department of Health continues their investigation, I expect the outbreak in Central Harlem should be under control soon,” he said.

For residents outside the affected area, Fleming advises no cause for alarm, emphasizing that the disease is linked to specific environmental sources.

What You Need to Know:

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling water vapor containing Legionella bacteria.

It mainly affects people with weakened immune systems, smokers, and older adults.

The current outbreak is focused in Central Harlem with 81 cases and 3 deaths.

Cooling towers and air conditioning systems are common sources.

Early symptoms mimic the flu; seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.

The disease is not contagious person-to-person.

NYC Health Department is stepping up enforcement of water system regulations.

Courtesy Doctor Fleming

Queens man fatally shot while visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny concert

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Queens Man Dies in Puerto Rico Shooting

Courtesy Mares Family

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A Queens man visiting Puerto Rico to attend a Bad Bunny concert was fatally shot early Sunday at a nightclub in San Juan’s La Perla neighborhood, authorities said.

Kevin Mares, 25, of East Elmhurst, was an innocent bystander when a fight broke out between two men at Refugio de Hombres Maltratados just before 4:15 a.m., police said. One of the men pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Mares in the left side of his abdomen, according to local Puerto Rican authorities.

Mares was rushed to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, where he died. Two other men from the area were also shot and remained hospitalized, Ruiz said. The suspected shooter has not been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Mares had traveled to Puerto Rico with his girlfriend, her brother and a friend for the trip. His girlfriend stayed at the hotel that night, while Mares went out with the others, his parents said. They had warned him about venturing out late.

A veterinary technician on Long Island, Mares was studying to become a veterinarian. He was a devoted fan of Bad Bunny and had already seen the Puerto Rican superstar perform multiple times. His family said he had been preparing to propose to his girlfriend of six years this fall.

“Kevin had a bright future ahead, with plans to propose … and he was always creating memories with those closest to him,” his family said in a statement. “Family was at the center of everything he did, and his sudden passing has left an unfillable void in our lives.”

Mares’ relatives are raising money to bring his body back to New York for a funeral. They said the process will cost about $23,000. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover transportation and funeral expenses at Frederick Funeral Home in Queens.

“This past weekend, while in Puerto Rico celebrating with friends and preparing to attend the Bad Bunny concert, Kevin was tragically caught in the crossfire of a shooting,” the GoFundMe reads. “Your support will help us honor Kevin’s memory and give him the farewell he deserves.”

La Perla, located just outside the historic district of Old San Juan, is a seaside shantytown once notorious for drug trafficking and violence. For decades, police avoided the area, which even had signs warning visitors to stay away. A 2011 federal raid and dozens of arrests brought improvements, and the neighborhood gained international attention after being featured in the hit song “Despacito” by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

In recent years, the community has welcomed more tourists, but violence has not disappeared entirely. In February 2023, three tourists were stabbed after being told to stop filming in the area. In April 2024, a 24-year-old man from Delaware was killed and his body set on fire after an attack linked to a drug purchase, according to police.

To help Kevin’s family bring him home and cover funeral expenses, consider donating at tinyurl.com/KevinMares.

Courtesy PuertoRico.com

Queens Officials Rally to Strengthen Flood Defenses for Future Storms

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Officials Demand Flood Warning Signs After Bay Terrace Flash Flood

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joined Council Member Vickie Paladino, State Senator John Liu, and community advocates in Bay Terrace on Friday, August 8, to demand the installation of flood warning signage and enhanced storm mitigation measures after heavy flooding submerged parts of the Cross Island Parkway at the end of July.

The gathering took place near 208th Place and the Cross Island Parkway, the site where several cars were trapped underwater during the intense flash flood on July 31. Officials called on the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to promptly place signage alerting drivers to the flood risk during severe weather conditions.

The flooding occurred after a cloudburst dumped over six inches of rain in less than an hour, overwhelming the drainage system. In addition to vehicles stranded in the floodwaters, dozens of nearby businesses reported up to a foot of water flooding their basements.

Borough President Richards emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term solutions. While acknowledging that large-scale flood infrastructure would take time to implement, he said the installation of warning signs are of upmost importance and DOT should act on without delay.

He advocated for a “holistic” flood mitigation strategy, including street signage and measures designed to absorb and reduce excess water.

Council Member Paladino, whose office worked tirelessly during and after the flood, affirmed the urgency of the situation. They did not stop that day until all relevant agencies were contacted, she said, including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Small Business Services. Paladino stressed that while local residents know the area’s flood risks, many motorists unfamiliar with the neighborhood do not.

“People need to know that this is a flood zone,” she said.

Senator Liu highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, urging coordination between city, state, and federal agencies to protect residents. He condemned the Trump administration’s cuts to over $300 million in funding for flood protection and climate resilience projects in Queens and New York State.

Matthew Silverstein, president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance and a longtime resident near the flooded intersection, described the situation vividly: “We joke in this neighborhood, it’s called Lake Bay Terrace. When it rains, it started down by the shopping center. It actually moved all the way down past the overpass, and it’s putting people’s lives in danger.” Silverstein urged for warning signage and legislation to implement “spongifying” infrastructure.

He recalled previous meetings with officials and said, “We asked the city as a first step for signage. We understand it’s going to take a long time to put up great infrastructure, but they were the ones that brought up signs in the first place when we were here, not us… We have horrifying images of people standing on top of their cars… trying to avoid drowning water, which came in less than an hour.”

Paul DiBenedetto, vice president of the Bayside Historical Society and Community Board 11 member, recounted the storm’s intensity during his drive along the Clearview Expressway on the day of the flood.

“So I was driving north on the Clearview, especially the day of the storm. The storm was so intense, I missed 35th Avenue. I drove right past it… I couldn’t see to the right. I couldn’t see to the left. I could barely see through my wiper blades on full speed.”

As an “amateur historian,” DiBenedetto noted that while severe storms are not new, the increasing frequency is alarming and underscores the reality of climate change. He praised Paladino for her dedication to clearing storm drains promptly.

“The water did accumulate, and then it went away. But that accumulation is unacceptable. We have to get that water out of here in the first place. And we can’t have cars driving into it,” DiBenedetto said, endorsing the installation of flood warning signage as a crucial initial step.

During the press conference, Richards also addressed the importance of bipartisan support for climate resilience funding. “Infrastructure is supposed to be a bipartisan issue. It’s not Republican or Democrat when these storms hit. No one cares what your affiliation is, rain doesn’t discriminate,” he said.

When asked about resistance from DOT to install signs, Paladino explained, “Think about what we’re talking about. We’re talking about signs, folks. How hard is it to get a sign from DOT? They’ll give you bike lanes overnight. They will extend their curbs with their Ground Zero initiative, but we want signs. Come on. DOT wake up, get in touch with the borough president. Do what you need to do, and let’s start small with signs. It’s a joke.”

Paladino also described ongoing collaboration with city agencies to monitor and clear drains after the storm and meet with affected businesses to support recovery.

A community member raised concerns about flooding at Lake Francis Lewis, where signage has been installed but flooding continues. Richards acknowledged the complexities and mentioned ongoing projects including a large rain garden near the area and potential buyouts of flood-prone properties to convert them back into parkland for water absorption.

The officials reiterated that while signage is an important first step, long-term solutions including improved drainage systems and green infrastructure are essential to address the growing threat of flash flooding in Queens neighborhoods.

Rosa’s Pizza Celebrates Fresh Look, Same Great Taste

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Rosa’s Pizza, a beloved neighborhood institution located at 55-26 69th Street, officially reopened its doors on August 8 following a major renovation aimed at refreshing the space while preserving its longtime culinary traditions.

Angela Lobello, whose father Calogero Troia and uncles co-own the pizzeria, spoke about the remodel and what customers can expect from the updated establishment.

Angela explained the reasoning behind the renovation: “My dad and my uncles are workers, and they don’t care too much about the aesthetics and the place itself. They care more about the product. So it’s been a while that they haven’t renovated, and we finally thought, 50 years was a good time to do that and freshen up the place.”

The remodel expands seating and creates a more open, modern vibe while retaining the pizzeria’s classic, old-school charm. “I think it has more seating and more of just like an open feel, a more modern vibe, but keeping in with, like the old school, like aesthetic of the place, and just freshen up and make it look new,” Angela said.

Despite the facelift, she emphasized that the food remains unchanged: “The flavors, the recipes, the pizza is all the same, the working ethic, the love behind the recipes, is all the same. People should come check it out at some point. I think if they haven’t already checked it out, they should come check it out, for sure. And if they’re long time customers, I think they should just keep coming, because it’s going to keep being the same as they know and love.”

Rosa’s Pizza was honored with a citation recognizing its longstanding community impact, presented by Representative Grace Meng, State Senator Joe Addabbo, Councilman Bob Holden, and Assemblyman Steven Raga.

Assemblymember Steven Raga, representing Assembly District 30, praised the pizzeria’s role in the community and expressed enthusiasm for the renovation.

“Rosa’s has been an amazing institution here. Our office is right across the street, so we see every day how the community comes together as friends and families to come here and eat and dine together. And this is pretty amazing,” Raga said.

He also joked about his personal fondness for the pizza: “Also, Rosa’s is single handedly, one of the reasons why I can’t fit in my clothes. The Sicilian here is the best in Queens, and so happy to see them refurbish this place and really bring it into 2025 cool. Thanks.”

Rosa’s Pizza has been serving Maspeth residents for five decades, and with its refreshed look and steadfast commitment to quality, it looks poised to continue its legacy for years to come.

Woodhaven Celebrates National Night Out

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

NYPD Marching Band, Puppet Show, and More Highlight 114th Precinct’s National Night Out in Astoria

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Photos Courtesy Walter Karling

Christian Spencer

In the outdoor area of Astoria Park, just under the Queensboro Bridge near the skating rink, the grounds were alive with activity as the 114th Precinct hosted its annual community fair on Monday, August 4.

Children and families gathered from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn of Astoria Park, between 19th Street and Hoyt Avenue North, to meet the friendly faces of their local first responders in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

The event featured stations for face painting, music, and complimentary Coca-Cola products, a proud sponsor of the fair.

Diana Turek, a key organizer, explained, “It’s a celebration for your local precinct. It brings community vendors together so people can meet their neighbors. It’s also about safety — really, it’s National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs.”

This year’s event was especially notable for featuring the NYPD marching band, which performed the Star-Spangled Banner during the opening ceremony, a first for the precinct’s fair.

A Christian puppet show, hosted by members of Eternal Hope Ministries, was also part of the day’s entertainment.

John Kemp, a representative from the church, said the show was impromptu but well-received.

“Kids love to see puppets,” he said. “Sometimes in a setting like this, there’s not always something geared toward their age. So when you see a puppet, it really gets your attention, and that’s beautiful.”

Building strong connections between law enforcement and residents remains a cornerstone of safety and unity in the neighborhood.

“Every time our pastor has connected with the police department, it’s been very positive,” Kemp said. “We also like to communicate to the police how much we appreciate and pray for them because they are key and essential.”

The event drew about 40 vendors this year, including Coca-Cola — participating for the first time — along with RCN, Fidelity Insurance, the Parks Department, the District Attorney’s Office, FDNY, breast cancer awareness advocates Sharon and Karen, At Home Solutions for seniors, and AT&T.

The police rounded out the celebration with a parade that brought smiles and cheers from neighbors of all ages.

Tyler Smith and his wife Paige attended the event together. Tyler shared his thoughts on the festivities, saying, “I showed up during the last 45 minutes, and I thought it was really nice to have live music from the NYPD band. I really enjoyed their performance.”

When asked if the police’s performance helped foster a sense of solidarity, Paige added, “Yeah, it felt like a sense of community.”

The 114th Precinct, which serves Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and North Corona, continues its active participation in the National Night Out Against Crime series.

National Night Out Against Crime is an annual event held on the first Tuesday in August when precincts throughout Queens and across the country come together to promote community engagement and crime prevention.

Precincts across Queens held their own events on Tuesday, August 5, to engage communities and promote safety.

NY’s Threat to Re-Redraw Congressional Lines

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Robert Hornak

Robert Hornak is a veteran 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 and @roberthornak on X.

One of the great traditions of American politics is for both political parties to try their best to gerryman der the lines of the political districts in their states. There is nothing new about this or unique to either party.

There has been recent attention brought to this process, sparked by two recent Supreme Court decisions. In 2019, the court ruled that issues related to partisan gerrymandering – the process where district lines are drawn to favor one party over the other – are “beyond the reach of the federal courts” changing how past voting rights cases, that advantaged democrats over republicans, would be considered by the court.

Then in 2024, the SCOTUS ruled in favor of a South Carolina district that was challenged as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Writing for the majority, Justice Alito stated, “inferring bad faith based on the racial effects of a political gerrymander in a jurisdiction in which race and partisan preference are very closely correlated” would no longer be accepted as a basis for challenge by the court, recognizing the difference between political and racial gerrymandering.

Now there is talk about drawing new lines in certain red states where partisan gerrymandering in the past had been thwarted by the courts as being racially, not politically based. Texas is leading the charge, looking to redraw their congressional

lines to increase partisan advantage, as democrats have already done in many states, looking to fight fire with fire.

Democrats, naturally, are up in arms, screaming about how unethical this effort is, while trying to cover their Cheshire cat grin for having done it themselves so successfully in states like Illinois, California, and Massachusetts.

But nowhere were they more blatant about this than in New York. In 2014, NY voters approved a referen dum to make the redistricting process “a fair and readily transparent process by which to redraw the lines of state legislative and congressional districts” according to the NYC Independent Redistricting Commission. The newly created IRC would draw the lines of new districts with strict constitutional limitations on gerrymandering to advantage either political party. However, the legislature must approve the final maps, a legislature now dominated by democrats.

Unlike Texas, the NY Constitution mandates that district lines be redrawn once and only once a decade. The IRC submitted their constitutionally required plan for redistricting for the 2022 elections, but they were not gerrymandered enough for the Democrats in Albany.

Unable to get the 2/3 vote required to pass their own gerrymandered lines, the process was handed

to the courts. A nonpartisan expert was engaged and the court set the new lines. Lines that were generally seen as fair by just about everyone – except the Democrats in power who were highly displeased that Republicans gained three seats that election.

So, committed to finding a better way to gerrymander within constitutional boundaries, Democrats pledged to draw new lines for the 2024 election. And they did. Republicans, who had 11 seats after the 2022 election but lost one in the special election to replace George Santos, went from 10 seats to 7 after 2024.

So now Texas is effectively doing what NY did just a year ago. But not to be outdone, NY Democrats are declaring themselves the masters of gerrymandering and telling Texas Republicans you ain’t seen nothing yet.

While Democrats around the country yell foul and claim that Texas is violating the constitution (al though without challenging Texas’ authority in court and with Texas creating three new majority His panic districts), NY Democrats are threatening action and pledging to once again redraw NY’s lines and gerrymander them even more with the explicit goal of eliminating five more NY Republicans.

Democratic Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said very bluntly, “We can come up with

lines that comply with constitutional criteria that still accomplish our goal” just as they did in 2024. Only one thing stands in their way, the NYS Constitution. They need to change the state constitution to allow middecade redistricting. All this depends on a positive outcome for their referendum in a future election with an electorate that has already expressed their disapproval of partisan gerrymandering.

Middle Village Car Bursts into Flames

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

Monday afternoon, around 4PM, the residents of 76th Street gathered and watched as a car erupted into flames on the corner of their block. Bystanders made their way outside when the strong smell of burning fumes made its way into their homes, only to find big, dark clouds of smoke and black BMW SUV on fire. A neighbor who was making her way home with her daughter, saw the owner of the vehicle on 69th Road, attempting to put out the fire by using a piece of cardboard. This only caused the flames to grow bigger. Unsure if the owner or anyone else called authorities, the woman with her daughter stopped and took it upon herself to call 911. She said in a statement, “I didn’t know if anyone else called and I didn’t know if the car was going to blow up”. When FDNY Engine Company 319 or “Lone Wolf”, arrived they worked diligently to subdue the flames, drenching each and every crevice of the burning BMW with water and even making sure to wet the nearby telephone pole that was smoking. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

National Night Out Strengthens Forest Hills Ties

BQE Admin on August 14, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The 112th Precinct in Forest Hills welcomed hundreds of residents and local organizations for its annual National Night Out on Aug 5, a community gathering dedicated to strengthening the bond between police officers and the neighborhoods they serve. Observed nationwide on the first Tuesday of August, the event stands as a celebration of unity, safety, and partnership.

This year’s festivities offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed a lively atmosphere, with children entertained by a balloon artist and guests sampling food from popular local restaurants and clubs.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to local residents, businesses, and elected officials who have played a role in fostering neighborhood safety and cohesion. New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. was represented at the event, emphasizing the value of civic participation and presenting citations to community groups.

As one of many National Night Out celebrations held across the country, the gathering in Forest Hills reaffirmed its role as a trusted tradition—bringing neighbors together, promoting public safety, and strengthening ties between the NYPD and the community it serves.