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104th Precinct Celebrates National Night Out

BQE Admin on August 14, 2024

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The 104th Precinct’s National Night Out event, originally planned for Juniper Valley Park, was relocated to the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank parking lot due to an unexpected downpour on August 7. Despite the change in venue, the event maintained its focus on strengthening relationships between local law enforcement and the Middle Village community.

National Night Out, celebrated across the United States, is a key initiative in promoting police-community partnerships and enhancing neighborhood safety. Even with the weather disruption, the event saw a strong turnout, showing the community’s commitment to fostering a safer, more connected neighborhood.

While the rain may have altered plans, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the evening, as attendees and officers alike engaged in meaningful interactions, reinforcing community bonds.

 

 

Lime Expands E-Scooter Program Throughout Queens Amidst Booming Ridership

BQE Admin on August 14, 2024

Courtesy Lime

Lime has expanded its Gen4 e-scooter fleet building on its earlier success in southeast Queens and contributing to the NYC DOT’s e-scooter program.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Lime, a leading provider of shared electric vehicles, has expanded its Gen4 e-scooter fleet into northeast Queens, following a successful launch in southeast Queens earlier this summer. The expansion is part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s broader initiative to grow its shared e-scooter program, which has seen significant ridership and a solid safety record since its inception in August 2021.

Since Lime’s launch in Queens on June 27, the company has reported nearly 23,000 new signups and over 56,000 rides.

“Lime is proud to be in Queens and excited to expand all while we remain focused on safe riding and proper parking,” Nicole Yearwood, Senior Manager for Government Relations said. “Queens and Bronx residents have both proven that the demand for safe, affordable, transportation in the form of shared e-scooters is very strong. We are devoting more and more resources every day to ensure we keep streets safe, neat, and tidy while we strive to meet that demand. Eastern Queens is uniquely suited to benefit from the first and last-mile connections our shared e-scooters provide and we’re already seeing people use them to connect to the subways, buses, and LIRR stations. While we launch we are taking in as much feedback as possible from the community in order to provide the best service possible for all road users, especially our riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and other sustainable transportation users,”

The company is currently running a comprehensive parking campaign across Queens and the Bronx to ensure proper parking practices. This initiative includes organic and paid social media, in-app and email messages to riders, and a series of in-person events. The campaign kicked off with a free ice cream giveaway in Jamaica, Queens, where Lime also distributed helmets and shared safety information.

Lime’s approach to parking in northeast Queens involves a multi-pronged strategy. The company’s operations team, supported by AI-assisted end-trip photo technology, is available 24/7 to address and rebalance misparked vehicles. Lime has also implemented Mandatory Parking Zones in high-traffic areas to maintain order on the streets.

Lime launched with detailed plans in place to run a neat and tidy program, with custom deployment and parking plans tailored to the neighborhood.

Communication with riders is central to Lime’s strategy, with ongoing efforts to educate users on proper parking. Lime leverages its global experience, running programs in 280 cities across five continents, to tailor its approach to the specific needs of Queens. Riders are informed of parking rules through in-app messages, emails, and social media, and repeat offenders face potential fines or bans from the platform.

Lime emphasizes the importance of community feedback in refining its service. The company engaged with local stakeholders, including community boards, service organizations, and educational institutions, before launching in Queens. This dialogue continues as Lime gathers input on areas needing focused parking enforcement.

“We will always have an ear to the ground in Queens and we will never stop working to improve our service,” a Lime representative said.

Lime’s e-scooter program in New York City, which began in the Bronx in August 2021, has seen over 2.3 million trips in that borough alone, accounting for 56% of the program’s total rides. The program’s expansion into Queens marks another step in increasing sustainable transportation options across the city.

Courtesy Lime

Since launching in Queens, Lime has seen nearly 23,000 new signups and over 56,000 rides and is actively promoting safe parking practices through a comprehensive campaign.

​​Queens Chamber of Commerce Hosts Roundtable on NYC’s Minimum Pay Impact

BQE Admin on August 14, 2024

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable discussion with local restaurant owners, community members and Dashers to discuss their negative experiences from the unintended consequences of New York City’s extreme minimum pay rate for delivery workers. The roundtable, organized in partnership with DoorDash, featured discussions around the impacts being felt by Queens small businesses and food delivery workers, along with how more proposed bills in the NYC Council could exacerbate these problems.

The event was hosted at Queens-based restaurant Rincon Salvadoreño, a family-owned Salvadoran restaurant in Jamaica, where owner Elena Barcenes shared her own personal experience with the negative impacts of the City’s policy.

“As the largest business association in Queens representing over 1,400 organizations, we were proud to facilitate this event with local Queens restaurant owners and Dashers for an honest conversation about the impacts of New York City’s minimum pay policy for delivery workers,” said Thomas J. Grech, President & Chief Executive Officer at the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We’d like to thank all of the participants in today’s discussion who shared how the policy has impacted their livelihood, whether that is through a decline in orders as a small business or a decrease in earnings as a Dasher, and we hope local policymakers will hear out these concerns.”

“New York City’s restaurant industry has been hit hard by the impacts of the City’s minimum pay rate for delivery workers. My restaurant, Rincon Salvadoreño, has lost twenty percent of delivery orders since the rule was put into place Barcenes said. “Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for helping us to make our voices heard and organizing this important discussion.”

The City’s minimum pay rules have cost millions of dollars in lost orders for local restaurants and lost earning opportunities for Dashers. Based on DoorDash’s estimates, the rule will cost Queens restaurants $19 million annually and the number of new Dashers in Queens has fallen by 37% compared to before the new minimum pay rate took effect. In the first two months since the implementation of the minimum pay rate, NYC restaurants and other local merchants lost $17 million in revenue and NYC consumers have placed an estimated 850,000 fewer orders on the Door Dash Marketplace than they would have had the market remained unchanged.

Joe Mele, a delivery driver from St. Albans, expressed concerns about the impact of New York City’s minimum wage policy on gig workers. He noted that the increased regulation and formalization of delivery work, which was originally intended to be a flexible, part-time job, is reducing opportunities for drivers. Mele explained that the policy has led to fewer orders and less income, forcing him to work longer hours and travel all the way out to Long Island for work.

“I actually head out to Long Island, get orders, and I sit up there, and that’s not good for me,” Mele said. “But what’s key is being able to when you turn your phone and the app on, is to be able to work from start to where you want to finish.”

He emphasized that the flexibility to choose when and where to work is crucial for gig workers. Mele also pointed out that while tips are important, the key to making a good income is having a steady stream of orders. He worries that the new regulations could negatively affect tipping attitudes and overall earnings for delivery drivers.

Janelle Christine, a Dasher from Flushing, raised concerns about recent changes to delivery regulations and their impact on drivers. She described how initial regulations led to increased earnings, but subsequent changes have made it harder to receive orders and affected her ability to work efficiently in her area. As a result, Christine has had to travel further for work, increasing her fuel costs, vehicle mileage, and maintenance expenses.

“All of this also impacts how much gas I pay, how much mileage on the vehicle, and the maintenance of the vehicle,” Christine said. “So, you’re talking about hidden expenses now that would not have been calculated previously to actual dashing.”

The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable to address the negative impacts of New York City’s minimum pay rate for delivery workers.

Christine also mentioned issues with parking, noting that she has received tickets while trying to deliver food. She suggested that temporary parking permits could alleviate this problem. While she acknowledged that tips remain consistent, she emphasized that the regulatory changes and additional costs are significant concerns that need addressing. Christine also pointed out that having the option to pause orders for breaks could improve working conditions for Dashers.

New York State Senator Jessica Ramos of District 13 addressed the economic implications of recent delivery regulations during the discussion. Ramos highlighted the challenges faced by restaurants, particularly in New York City, where profit margins are already slim.

Ramos noted that the requirement for restaurants to adapt their menus for delivery platforms like Door Dash can be financially burdensome, as it may necessitate significant changes to their operations.

“Profitability wise, however, if a third of your revenue is coming through this channel, professional businesses are heavily revenue dependent,” Ramos said. “You need money to keep it running so you will keep producing profit, list sales and generally at the rate, a lot of that goes up before the restaurant business. The profitability of the software company is quite different, right? So, I think we have to take that into consideration.”

She also emphasized the disparity in profitability between restaurant businesses and delivery platform companies, suggesting that the economic pressures on restaurants are distinct from those faced by the platforms themselves.

Ramos brought attention to the underrepresented Latino, Asian, and African American workers in the delivery sector, many of whom face limited economic opportunities and rely heavily on gig work.

 

 

Electeds Urge City to Slow LIC Neighborhood Plan Timeline

BQE Admin on August 13, 2024

By Celia Bernhardt | cbernhardt@queensledger.com

One LIC’s proposed zoning districts. Courtesy of NYC Department of City Planning.

Elected officials and community members urged the Department of City Planning to slow down their timeline for the Long Island City Neighborhood Plan at a public scoping hearing on Monday. 

The hearing, which took place over Zoom, was the first meeting on the topic since the city unveiled a draft zoning framework for the Neighborhood Plan (also called One LIC) at a June 25 town hall. The city released a 65-page draft scope of work on July 12 — a final scope of work, which serves as the basis for an environmental review, is the next step. 

“I want to put on the record that I am displeased that the Department of City Planning did not schedule this hearing for September, despite numerous requests for myself, the Community Board, community groups, as well as overlapping elected officials,” Council Member Julie Won said in her testimony at the scoping meeting. 

One LIC, a neighborhood-wide rezoning plan focused on accommodating growth in the area, has been in the works since October 2023. It was launched by DCP, Won, and an urban design firm called WXY Studio. Eleven public meetings to gather feedback took place throughout the year leading up to the draft zoning framework released on June 25. 

Community boards are often heavily involved in reviewing and providing feedback on proposed zoning and land use changes; they also usually take a pause during the summer months, with meetings and duties ramping back up again in September. In a July 31 letter to DCP Chair Daniel Garodnick that she posted to Twitter, Won slammed the City’s timeline for One LIC updates and meetings. 

“The City’s rapid timeline is leaving my community feeling frustrated and embittered with the city planning process,” Won wrote. “There was no draft zoning framework presented until June 24, 2024, after Community Board 2 had already finished for the year. The draft scope of work was released on July 12, also during the community board’s summer recess. While the City has extended the deadline for written testimony to September 11, this still falls before relevant community board meetings which were scheduled months in advance.”

In a response sent the next day, Garodnick’s office said they would not delay the hearing, arguing that “postponing the hearing date would unfortunately delay our analysis of the environmental impacts and district-wide infrastructure assessment, and would impact the overall project timeline.”

After an environmental review and a period of continued public engagement, DCP is set to release a draft neighborhood plan in the Spring of 2025 and then move into the ULURP process. 

Won was not the only attendee at the hearing who expressed frustration at the project’s timeline. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Community Board 2 member Danielle Brecker, and others urged the DCP to extend the period for written testimony past September 13 to allow for the board to study the plan and provide feedback. 

Chief among the concerns that attendees voiced about the content of the draft zoning plan was its allotment of affordable housing. Out of 14,000 new units that the plan would allow for, only 4,000 would be income-restricted via the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program — and rent for those 4,000 units would be set for residents earning 60 to 80 percent of the area median income, meaning a one-bedroom would cost between $1,747 and $2,330. Numerous testimonies argued that this fell far below what the neighborhood needs. 

“The vast majority of housing need, as shown by rent burdens, overcrowding, other measures, and the amount of homelessness that we are seeing in our district alone — let alone the whole city at large — is among households with incomes below 50% AMI,” Won said. “New market rate housing will not help these families find sustainable homes.”

Gonzalez agreed. 

“This area is already suffering serious consequences from over development, and it is essential to ensure that any development in this area benefits the community and addresses existing deficits,” Gonzalez said. “I’m calling for the inclusion of the maximum amount of deeply affordable housing.” 

A representative for Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani echoed support for maxing out deeply affordable units.

After an environmental review and a period of continued public engagement, DCP is set to release a draft neighborhood plan in the Spring of 2025. Then, One LIC will move into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, a final seven-month process which incorporates reviews from the Borough President, City Planning Commission, and City Council. 

Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital Competes in Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival for Women’s Health

BQE Admin on August 12, 2024

LIJFH and For Women By Women, Period staff competing in the dragon boat race. Credit: Laureylene Ortaliza

By Olivia Graffeo | olivia@queensledger.com

This year’s annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Corona Park was attended by thousands of people with over 150 teams participating in the races. One of these teams was a group from Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital Northwell. Composed of doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, the team represented Northwell in the dragon boat race, working to raise money for their Menstrual Equity initiative. 

Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Northwell has teamed up with community organization For Women By Women, Period to spread awareness about period poverty and those affected. Stancy Saji, the Program Manager at LIJFH, spoke about the persistent issues faced by those who menstruate.

“[Many] cannot afford menstrual products. We’re trying to remove the stigma… it should be affordable,” she said. 

LIJFH and For Women By Women, Period staff during the Dragon Boat Festival. Credit: Laureylene Ortaliza

In addition to the boat team from Northwell, the organization was a sponsor of the event and had a stall on the grounds with an outreach table providing information about their Menstrual Equity program. Through the initiative, Northwell is able to provide not only information to those who need it, but also period products. 

“We raise money, collect items… This is a cause that hits home for a lot of people,” Saji said. 

In the hope of spreading awareness and collecting money to help people in need, the team of hospital staff trained tirelessly for the boat race. The dedicated group went out to practice once a week on the water in anticipation of the event. 

“The team had an amazing time. We look forward to going to this event every year. [We] meet up with each other, do something different,” Saji said. “Being able to bring attention to period poverty.”

Northwell was able to raise $1,500 for their Menstrual Equity program from the event, in addition to products collected through donations. The initiative is only growing, with workshops, events, and marches on the horizon. To Saji and the Northwell team, menstrual health and equity for period products is an extremely important cause. The Dragon Boat event was just one example of their journey in finding creative ways to help their community.

“Engage with the community, provide resources, connect with people,” Saji said of Northwell’s mission. “Find ways to support women and all individuals.”

Sen. Salazar Talks Housing at State of the District

BQE Admin on August 8, 2024

By Celia Bernhardt | cbernhardt@queensledger.com

State Senator Julia Salazar held a State of the District event in Bushwick last Thursday, explaining her recent legislative work to a sizable crowd of local residents and community organization representatives before giving the mic to a group of multiple organizations to inform attendees about their services. Her recap of the legislative session was wide ranging, but housing was a main focus of the discussion. 

Salazar kicked off the talk with a sample list of bills that she said was based on what issues the district was most interested in. Two of them — the End Toxic Home Flipping Act and Foreclosure Notices Act — addressed issues of homeownership.

“We want to make sure that people can continue to afford to live here, tenants, homeowners, all of us should be able to continue in our communities,” Salazar said. “A lot of young people say, ‘I grew up here, and I can’t even imagine being able to ever afford a home here. And that’s really sad. And it shouldn’t be that way.”

Tenant rights got plenty of air time as well — the state’s basement apartment legalization pilot, worked into this year’s budget, was another initiative Salazar spoke about. Basement apartments are often more affordable for tenants, Salazar said, but are often “not up to code, to say the least.” Salazar pointed out, though, that the governor only included certain community districts in the pilot. 

“So Community District 4 is included — that’s right here in Bushwick — however, Brooklyn Community District 5 was excluded. This is ridiculous. It’s really outrageous,” Salazar said. “Community District 5 demonstrated in the first place to the state that we needed state action in order to bring these apartments legally up to code and make them habitable.”

Salazar told the crowd she introduced a bill to specifically incorporate CD5, which includes East New York, and other districts into the pilot program. 

Good Cause Eviction, which protects some tenants from rent increases beyond a certain percentage and from unjustified evictions, was another highlight of Salazar’s talk. “This was the first bill that I ever introduced as a new senator. It is what I’ve been most passionate about for the past six years,” she said. 

Long championed by progressive representatives and tenants rights groups, Good Cause was ultimately watered down in the state’s budget — its protections don’t extend to as many tenants and are not as extensive as advocates intended. Salazar acknowledged the changes, but emphasized that the law was still a “game changer.” 

“While it is a partial victory, it absolutely is a victory that is going to make a profound impact in the lives of people across our district and across our state,” Salazar said. 

After Salazar’s talk, community organizations including the CCRB, Communities Resist, Make the Road NY, and more took turns introducing themselves to the audience and explaining what services they offer. One group offering breakdance classes for local youth demonstrated their skills with a performance. When the program concluded, the senator spoke one-by-one with a long line of constituents who had questions for her.

Mail Carrier Robbery Spurs Urgent Call for Federal Mail Theft Reforms

BQE Admin on August 7, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com


A recent gunpoint robbery of a USPS mail carrier in Maspeth has heightened demands for federal action to address escalating mail theft and improve postal security in Queens.

A gunpoint robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier in Maspeth last week has intensified calls for federal action against rampant mail theft in Queens.

Police say an unidentified suspect approached the 48-year-old mail carrier on Monday, July 29, at the corner of 55th Avenue and 63rd Place, shortly after noon. 

The bandit displayed a gun and robbed the mail carrier of her mail key before fleeing the scene. Officers from the 104th Precinct responded shortly after the incident. No injuries were reported.

Council Member Robert Holden, representing Maspeth as part of New York City Council District 30, condemned the USPS following the brazen robbery.

“The USPS is on the brink of collapse, and we’re beyond the mayday call,” Holden said. “We need the federal government to step up, protect our mail carriers, and invest in fixing the infrastructure and securing our mailboxes and relay boxes instead of relying on outdated methods like the arrow key. Our Postal Inspectors and Police need to be bolstered, more need to be hired, and the judges need to throw the book at those who break federal laws, assault our mail carriers, and steal our mail.”

Last year, Holden worked with the USPS, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the 104th Precinct, and local residents to successfully catch a mail theft ring in another area of Maspeth. Despite this success, mail-related crimes remain a significant issue.

Holden emphasizes the need for immediate federal intervention to address these escalating threats. He calls for increased funding to enhance the security of mailboxes and relay boxes and to support hiring additional Postal Inspectors and police officers. Furthermore, Holden urges stricter penalties for those who commit crimes against mail carriers and tamper with the mail.

“With the USPS teetering on the brink of collapse, it’s a damn shame to see dedicated workers like our local mail carrier endure such a horrific crime for doing their jobs,” Holden said. “My office is in close contact with her, the union, and all stakeholders to ensure she receives the support she needs, and we will not rest until this criminal is caught and put behind bars for a long time.”

Postal insiders reveal that the universal mail key, or arrow key, can open cluster mailboxes, apartment mailbox panels, green USPS relay boxes, and some apartment building doors, making it a prime target for thieves. A recent federal audit found major mismanagement of security in the Postal Service’s response to the spike in Queens.

The National Association of Letter Carriers is pushing for new legislation. The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, introduced in Congress in May, would devote $7 billion to enhanced postal security.

New York State Delivers $350 Million in Child Tax Credit Supplemental Payments

BQE Admin on August 7, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas praised New York State’s announcement of $350 million in supplemental payments for over 1 million low- and moderate-income families through the Empire State Child Credit program. Photo courtesy of Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas’s Office.

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas today praised the announcement that New York State will distribute approximately $350 million in supplemental payments to over 1 million low- and moderate-income families. This aid, provided through the Empire State Child Credit program, offers eligible families direct payments of up to $330 per child without any application process.

The Empire State Child Credit, a refundable tax credit for income-qualified New Yorkers with children, was expanded in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to include children under four years old. This expansion benefits an estimated 600,000 additional children annually. The current round of supplemental payments, based on 2023 tax filings, ranges from 25% to 100% of a family’s original credit amount, depending on income.

Eligible families, who received at least $100 in Empire State Child Credit for the 2023 tax year, will receive checks automatically. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will start mailing the checks in the first week of August and continue over the next several weeks.


Eligible families will receive automatic checks in the mail, watch your mailbox for a check that looks like this. Courtesy of tax.ny.gov

Assembly Member González-Rojas, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of this financial relief. 

“I’m so proud of the work we were able to accomplish this year. We fought so hard to ensure New Yorkers would receive the support and relief they need to better take care of their families,” González-Rojas said. “As the cost of living continues to rise, we have to make every effort to reduce disparities. These payments will help provide much needed relief for low and middle-income families and help address the hunger epidemic. One in ten New Yorkers, including nearly one in six children, struggle with hunger and in a state as abundant in resources as ours this should not be the case. While this is a major victory, there is much more work to be done. I congratulate my colleagues for passing the legislation and look forward to making more progress on these efforts in the upcoming legislative session.”

Governor Hochul underscored the state’s commitment to easing financial burdens for working families.

“As New Yorkers get started with back-to-school shopping for their kids, we’re putting some money back in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “My team is making sure these supplemental payments reach every eligible New Yorker – and I’m going to keep working every day to address the cost of living for working parents across our state.”

Since 2022, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have provided over $2.6 billion in financial support through various programs, including the homeowner tax rebate credit, supplemental Earned Income Tax Credit and Empire State Child Credit payments, and the gas tax suspension. In addition to these efforts, Hochul recently launched a digital portal, ny.gov/childcare, to make free or low-cost childcare more accessible through New York State’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

Assembly Member González-Rojas, reflecting on her role as a parent and legislator, expressed her dedication to continuing to advocate for family-friendly policies.

 “”We were able to include a supplemental tax credit that gives up to $330 per child,” González-Rojas said. “The great news is that the parents don’t have to do anything. If you receive the Empire State Child Tax Credit, you’ll just get a check in the mail. Many parents are now preparing for the new school year. So this helps put money back in the pockets of families, particularly when you often have to buy supplies and new clothes. It’s very timely and exciting.”

She also expressed gratitude to fellow Queens Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, chair of the Committee on Children and Families, and the collective efforts of the ‘mom squad’ in the State Assembly and Senate.

“We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help with everything from child care to school meals to access to health care for our children,”  González-Rojas said. “We’re going to keep advocating for it in next year’s budget and hopefully make it a permanent part of our budget system.I want to thank my fellow moms in the State Assembly and the State Senate. It takes a village to advocate for these policies, and the mom squad came through.”

The Assembly Member also highlighted another victory in the state budget: automatic re-enrollment for children on Medicaid or the State Child Health Plus program until age six. This policy, designed to reduce paperwork burdens for parents, ensures continuous healthcare coverage for young children during their critical developmental years.

“During those critical years, from birth until the age of six, having access to a provider and health insurance is so critical,” González-Rojas said. “This was a victory for me personally, but it was also a collective win for all advocates who care deeply about children’s health and family well-being.”

For more information on the Empire State Child Credit and supplemental payments, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website.

Spectrum Awards $80,000 to Four College Students from Queens

BQE Admin on August 7, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity and entertainment services, today announced it has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to four college students from Queens. Each student will receive $20,000 in scholarships and have the opportunity to participate in a two-year educational and professional development program through the Spectrum Scholars initiative.

Each of the rising college juniors selected for the 2024-2025 program will receive a scholarship for their junior and senior years, a Spectrum mentor, access to networking events, career readiness education, and the chance for a paid Spectrum internship. The program is tailored to the development needs of young professionals, empowering them to expand their skill sets, explore new career paths, and grow their networks.

Spectrum received over 930 applications for the Spectrum Scholars program this year. The 2024-2025 class includes 15 students from eight states and various academic majors. With this $300,000 commitment, Spectrum has provided $1 million in scholarships to students with financial need since 2020. 

The 2024 New York City Spectrum Scholars are Jimmy Chen of Flushing, Queens, attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for Computer Science; Brian Lin of East Elmhurst, Queens, attending Cornell University for Business Administration; Zhenbin Lin of Flushing, Queens, attending Stony Brook University for Computer Science; and Chidera Okonkwo of Cambria Heights, Queens, attending the University of California, Los Angeles, for Finance.


Chidera Okonkwo of Cambria Heights

The selection criteria focused on financial need and academic achievement. 

“Spectrum Scholars creates a supportive and educational environment that arms students with the experiences and skills to prepare them for the corporate world while actively guiding them towards their desired career goals,” Paul Marchand, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Charter said. “Now in its fourth year, the program builds a better talent pipeline and nurtures next generation leaders through meaningful financial support, mentorship and career development.”

The two-year educational and professional development program goes beyond financial support, offering professional growth opportunities through one-on-one mentorship, access to learning and networking events, and the chance to participate in a paid six-week internship with the company. These experiences are designed to ensure the Scholars’ long-term success by equipping them with essential skills and insights needed to thrive in their future careers.

Jimmy Chen expressed that being a Spectrum Scholar means having the chance to be part of a community of driven individuals passionate about technology and innovation. 

“It means having the chance to be a part of a community of driven and talented individuals who are passionate about technology and innovation,” Chen said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to grow, learn, and make meaningful impacts at Spectrum and ultimately, towards the world.”


Jimmy Chen of Flushing

Brian Lin echoed this sentiment, stating that being a Spectrum Scholar means being part of a network of like-minded students who can help one another throughout college and beyond, and receiving mentorship now so that he can pay it forward in the future.

“Being Spectrum Scholar means being part of a network of likeminded students that can help one another out throughout college and for the rest of our lives, and receive mentorship now so that I can pay it forward at a larger scale in the future,” Lin said.


Brian Lin of East Elmhurst

The Spectrum Scholars program also provides unique access to networking and professional development opportunities, including the Scholars Summit, a three-day event hosted at Charter’s corporate headquarters in Stamford. In December, the 2022 and 2023 classes traveled from across the country for the 2023 Scholars Summit, where they participated in networking activities with Charter mentors and attended keynotes and career development sessions on topics like communicating in a corporate environment and exploring different career paths at Charter.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the Spectrum Scholars program, with volunteer mentors from various business units, including sales, marketing, and field operations across Charter’s service area. These mentors are nominated by their business and human resources leaders and paired with Scholars based on the students’ major and interests.

 Zhenbin Lin highlighted the importance of mentorship. 

“Having a connection with an industry professional at Spectrum means someone I can look up to for personal and professional mentorship,” Lin said. “I’m looking forward to picking the brains of my mentor for not only technical and career advice, but also on navigating the transition between college and the work force.”


Zhebin Lin

The Spectrum Scholars initiative aims to address the development needs of young professionals by providing comprehensive mentorship, career readiness education, and networking opportunities. Each scholar is paired with a Spectrum mentor, participates in exclusive events with Charter leaders, and gains hands-on experience through paid internships, all designed to equip them with the skills and insights necessary for successful career growth.

Participation in Spectrum Scholars can also open the door to potential Spectrum career opportunities after graduation. Byron Coulter, a Spectrum Scholars alumnus, started a position with Spectrum as an Associate Development Operations Engineer this past May after graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Computer Information Systems.

 “Spectrum Scholars was instrumental in helping to shape my career path, providing not just financial aid but exposure to new career opportunities,” Coulter said. “Initially, I was interested in cybersecurity, but the broad experiences offered by the program redirected me towards data center infrastructure and ultimately, a full-time job offer with the company before I had graduated.”

The benefits of the Spectrum Scholars program extend far beyond financial assistance, offering young professionals the opportunity for professional development and the chance to expand their skill sets, explore new career paths, and grow their networks with a chance for a paid internship with the company.

“Spectrum Scholars is tailored to the development needs of young professionals, providing comprehensive mentorship, career readiness education, and networking opportunities,” Shelley Loo, Spokesperson said. “Each scholar is paired with a Spectrum mentor, participates in exclusive events with Charter leaders, and gains hands-on experience through paid internships, all designed to equip them with the skills and insights necessary for successful career growth.

Six Campaign Volunteers Indicted for 2023 GOP Queens Election for Voter Fraud Scheme

BQE Admin on August 7, 2024

by Marcus Ramos | news@queensledger.com


Six campaign volunteers were indicted on July 25 for voter fraud charges for allegedly submitting counterfeit absentee ballots during the 2023 New York City Council elections. The suspects are being charged for tampering ballot applications for the campaign of Yu-Ching James Pai, who was a Republican candidate in the June 2023 Primary for New York CIty Council District 20.

The defendants of the case are Sydnee Pai (19), who is the daughter of Yu-Ching James Pai; Li Zhen Wan (46); Yee Ping Yam (53); Lisbeth Cheng (24); and Crystal You (20). Each defendant was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Leigh K. Cheng, with an order to return to court on September 19. A later date is anticipated for the arraignment of a sixth defendant. 

Defendants Pai and Cheng face two counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; falsifying business records in the first degree; illegal voting; offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree; falsifying business records in the second degree; and offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree.

Defendants Wan, Yam and You are charged with four counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; falsifying business records in the first degree; illegal voting; offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree; falsifying business records in the second degree; and offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree.

The defendants each face up to a seven year sentence if convicted.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement on the issue.

“Our democracy relies on integrity at the voting booth, and we will not allow that to be compromised in Queens County,” Katz said. “As alleged in this case, the defendants went to the Board of Elections and filed fraudulent absentee ballot applications on behalf of 23 voters they had never met.”

According to the charges, the defendants volunteered for Pai’s City Council Campaign between approximately March 1, and June 27, 2023. The defendants went to the Forest Hills office of the New York City Board of Elections during that period in order to retrieve ballots for voters who allegedly wished to cast absentee ballots in the primary election scheduled for June 2023. When a voter complained that they had been informed they had already cast their ballot when they arrived at their assigned polling station, the Queens District Attorney’s office launched an investigation. After speaking with a number of people whose names and personal details were on the ballot applications, Queens DA investigators learned that the voters had not filled out or signed the application, had never met the defendant designated authorized to pick it up, and had never gotten an absentee ballot. In total, 23 Queens County voters were affected.

Yu-Ching James Pai is currently not believed to be involved in the scheme.

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