By CHRISTIAN SPENCER

news@queensledger.com

 

The 31st Annual Queens Flag Day Committee B.A.D.G.E. Awards was not only a celebration of active military and civil service members but also a solemn remembrance of those still missing in action.

Held at Douglaston Manor on Juneteenth, the black-tie event took place in an elegant venue with roots dating back to its days as a horse stable.

Uniformed members of the NYPD, U.S. Marines, and other branches filled the ballroom, joined by community leaders, families, and elected officials.

Many guests arrived in formal black attire and gathered to honor the men and women who continue to serve, protect, and, most notably, sacrifice.

This year, a total of 18 individuals received awards, including two U.S. Army soldiers, one Marine, one Airman, one Coast Guardsman, nine NYPD officers, one FDNY firefighter, and a sheriff. Superintendent John Addeo and Wendy Phaff Gennaro were honored with the Public Service Award for Sanitation and the John J. Farrell Sr. Memorial Award, respectively.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been awarded something like this,” Addeo said. “It feels truly blessed to be honored. I really appreciate it.”

A 21-year veteran of the New York City Department of Sanitation, Addeo has worked across every neighborhood in Queens. “Every day working in Queens — every neighborhood — I’ve worked,” he said proudly.

As The Queens Ledger previously reported, the 2024 Queens Flag Day had 16 honorees.

The night featured a wide array of awards presented to a diverse group of distinguished honorees, but one stood out for an act of heroism that set him apart.

Lieutenant Ari A. Cankul of the 102nd Precinct was personally praised by First Deputy Commissioner of the NYPD Tania Kinsella, speaking on behalf of Police Commissioner Jessica Tish.

He was honored with a Public Service Award for his swift and composed response in a harrowing case that unfolded on Nov. 29, 2024, when a car thief in South Richmond Hill unknowingly drove off with a 4-year-old girl asleep in the back seat of a red Acura.

The car had been parked near 101st Avenue and 131st Street when it was stolen, triggering a frantic search, according to The New York Daily News.

Within 20 minutes, and just five blocks away, officers led by Cankul recovered the vehicle by tracking an iPad that was in the girl’s possession and safely rescued the unharmed child, according to ABC Eyewitness News.

“As a mother, I cannot express the amount of gratitude I feel for that,” Kinsella said during the awards ceremony. “He brought someone’s baby home.”

Runners-up for the most recognized Public Service Award were Officers Robert Greco and Shawn Rogers of the 106th Precinct with the latter relocating to the 116th Precinct, credited with apprehending a suspect who had stabbed two individuals on Aug. 5, 2024. 

The pair pursued the assailant to a local train station, where he was found hiding in the vents.

“They attacked with great tactics and were able to get the individual back on the platform and place him under arrest,” their commanding officer, Captain Berkley K. Vantull, said. “Thanks to these officers’ courageous work, you can just imagine how many countless lives that they saved.”

Greco, speaking humbly and unscripted at the podium, said, “Me and my partner, Officer Rogers, we weren’t even partners. We were just together for the day. But he did what we took our oath to do. If someone’s going around randomly attacking innocent people in New York City, we’re going to go out there and we’re going to go.”

Representing the U.S. Marines, Sergeant Sebastian Andagoya was also honored for his outstanding service.

“It was a pleasure,” Andagoya said of the recognition. “I’m born and raised here in New York and I’m able to influence a lot of individuals such as the NYPD, FDNY, and all these first responders here.”

He also had a message for aspiring Marines: “Just be confident in what you do and everything will help you out in the long term. As in, if you’re confident with whatever you end up doing, I promise you you’ll be successful later down the road.”

Another highlight was the presentation of the John J. Farrell Sr. Memorial Award to Gennaro, who works as the director of development for the Queens Center of Progress and is a member of Queens Community Board 8, honoring her years of community service.

The evening opened with a symbolic Missing Man Table ceremony, commemorating those who never returned from duty: the white tablecloth, the slice of lemon, the inverted glass, the empty chair, and the candle, as a bugler played Taps in the background.

Emily Nieman, a board member of the Queens Flag Day Committee, explained the emotional and logistical effort behind the event.

“It takes a year,” Nieman said. “We no sooner finish than within a month we start all over again. We contact all the military and civil service divisions and ask them who they would like to honor. Because they tell us. We feel it’s more personable when they do it that way. They know who should be honored.”

Nieman, a former FEMA associate, said her experience working with first responders deepened her respect for their sacrifices.

“No matter how many times you say thank you, it feels like it’s not enough. So if you can do a little bit more to make people aware of what they sacrifice… It’s the families too. The families serve as well.”

The diversity of the crowd, spanning generations and ethnicities, is a reflection of Queens.

“Let’s be honest. This is Queens, and this is the city; you don’t have one group of people. We’ve got eight and a half million people. Not everybody’s the same. I think we should show who we are. And I think it shows here,” Nieman said.

The event at Douglaston Manor was fully funded by sponsors, including several Queens-based businesses such as a local repair service and a barbershop.

While the venue typically charges $98 per guest for its summer promotions—and wedding or large event rentals can range from $6,000 during the off-season to $7,500 at peak—attendees did not pay a cent. Everything was covered, allowing honorees and guests to enjoy the evening of a three-course meal free of charge.

“As we honor these officers, all members of public service and members of our military, let us renew our commitment to the values that unite us. And what better time to do it than on a day when we celebrate our beautiful flag. I’d also like to thank our families that’s here, our friends, and our leaders. We don’t do things alone, so behind every achievement is a network of support. So let’s keep working together, looking out for one another, and remembering what our flag stands for. Thank you for being here, and thank you for your service,” Kinsella said.

 

A man who brutally assaulted a woman with a hammer inside a Queens subway station in 2022 was sentenced on July 10 to 25 years to life in prison, following a conviction for robbery and assault.

William Blount, 61, was found guilty by a jury in April for launching an unprovoked and violent attack on 57-year-old Nina Rothschild at the Queens Plaza subway station in Long Island City. The attack drew national attention for its shocking nature and the severity of the victim’s injuries.

Authorities said Blount approached Rothschild from behind around 11:20 p.m. on February 24, 2022. As she descended the station stairs, he kicked her from behind, causing her to fall, then struck her in the head 13 times with a hammer before stealing her multicolored tote bag and fleeing the scene.

Rothschild, a scientist with the city’s Health Department, was left with multiple skull fractures, a broken finger, and other injuries. She underwent emergency surgery to replace parts of her shattered skull with titanium mesh.

Blount, whose last known address was in Manhattan, was arrested three days later. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence linked him to the scene. Police recovered the hammer, cane, and stolen bag from a relative’s home in Long Island City, where DNA testing confirmed Blount’s involvement.

The jury convicted him on two counts each of first-degree assault and first-degree robbery, as well as fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was acquitted of attempted murder.

 

 

“This was an unprovoked attack that caught the attention of the entire country,” District Attorney Katz said. “A 57-year-old woman was blindsided as she entered the New York City subway system and kicked down the stairs by William Blount. The defendant then repeatedly struck her in the head with a hammer and stole the woman’s tote bag. I thank the survivor for testifying during this trial and bravely facing her attacker in court. Our transit system must be safe for everyone and this conviction sends a strong message that those who cause mayhem on our subways will be brought to justice.”

A jury convicted Blount in April on multiple counts of first-degree assault and robbery, along with criminal possession of a weapon. He was acquitted of attempted murder. Queens Supreme Court Justice John Zoll handed down the maximum sentence.

Coney Island Residents Fight Casino Over Culture, Affordability

By MOHAMMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

A proposed casino and resort development in Coney Island has ignited a wave of impassioned debate among residents, business owners, advocacy groups, and city leaders—pitting economic opportunity against cultural preservation and neighborhood stability.

The plan, spearheaded by a consortium including Thor Equities, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and Legends Hospitality, aims to transform five acres of mostly vacant land near Stillwell Avenue into a year-round entertainment hub. The multi-billion-dollar project would include a casino, hotel, public park space, on-site parking, and retail and dining venues designed to highlight Brooklyn-based businesses. Backers say the development would create thousands of construction and permanent jobs while revitalizing aging infrastructure and expanding tourism beyond the summer months.

“This project would guarantee significant investment in our community. Coney Island has been waiting for a year-round economy that creates not just jobs—but careers. Local residents would have access to job training and access to union jobs with a living wage and benefits,” the development group stated. “Our team has already been engaging with local businesses to ensure that additional visitors and activities benefit their business. We have experience and results to show that cross-promotional agreements—like discounts with a rewards card—can directly increase the sales and success of local business.”

Yet opposition to the project is fierce—and growing. Local housing organizations, cultural institutions, and residents have raised alarms about the potential impacts on community life, affordability, and Coney Island’s historic amusement district.

In a strongly worded statement, the Board of Directors of the Luna Park Housing Corporation—representing approximately 6,000 residents in one of Brooklyn’s largest Mitchell-Lama developments—declared its “vehement opposition” to the casino plan.

“The proposed casino in Coney Island, which would be located right across the street from our homes, poses a major and direct threat to our quality of life and our ability to even be able to continue living in our homes,” the board wrote, citing concerns about increased crime, traffic congestion, noise, and displacement of working-class families. “We will not support any politician who does not stand with us at this time.”

Opponents argue the casino could undermine one of the city’s last affordable coastal neighborhoods while endangering Coney Island’s legacy as a family-friendly and culturally rich destination.

Coney Island USA, a nonprofit arts organization known for producing the annual Mermaid Parade, Coney Island Film Festival, and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, has warned that the development could overshadow or even eliminate long-standing amusement attractions.

“A billionaire developer is trying to replace Coney Island with a massive casino, hotel, and convention center that would cast shadows over the amusement area,” the organization said. “The Casino would remove almost half the rides and put the others at risk of disappearing. Soon the only rides left could be the Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone. Everything else could be gone. The future of Coney Island USA, the non-profit arts organization that sponsors the Mermaid Parade, could be put at risk, and the Mermaid Parade, one of New York’s most iconic and beloved events, could be gone forever!”

The development team has pledged to deliver union jobs with living wages, job training for local residents, and partnerships with local merchants through cross-promotional programs. They emphasize that their plan includes parkland, environmental resilience upgrades, and enhanced lighting and security.

But community leaders say the benefits are overstated—and the risks profound. To proceed, the casino proposal must receive two-thirds approval from a Community Advisory Committee composed of six key officials: the local Council Member, State Assembly Member, State Senator, Borough President, NYC Mayor, and New York’s Governor. While the City Council has already voted to support rezoning and the transfer of public air rights for the development, final approval is far from certain.

Advocacy groups have launched petitions and organized rallies urging the six officials to block the proposal. Critics say the decision-making process has lacked transparency and ignored widespread local opposition.

“This is a public land giveaway to a billionaire developer,” read a joint statement from several community organizations. “The future of Coney Island must be determined by its residents, not dictated by private deals behind closed doors.”

Supporters counter that the project will address decades of underinvestment in the area, bringing infrastructure upgrades, added security, and new sources of tax revenue for the city and state.

The controversy has spotlighted a broader debate over the direction of urban development in New York: who benefits, who decides, and what kind of city residents want to build for future generations.

For some, the casino represents long-overdue revitalization. For others, it signals the loss of a beloved cultural icon. As the Community Advisory Committee prepares to weigh in, both sides are intensifying their campaigns—with the outcome likely to shape the future of Coney Island for decades to come.

As the state weighs up to three downstate casino licenses, the proposed Coney Island development is just one of several high-stakes projects vying for approval—and it’s far from the only one drawing intense local debate.In Queens, Mets owner Steve Cohen and Seminole Hard Rock are pushing for an $8 billion casino and entertainment district on the Citi Field parking lot. Like the Coney Island bid, the plan touts thousands of jobs, green space, and community investment. Initially, the project faced a political roadblock because State Senator Jessica Ramos had not introduced the required parkland alienation bill. However, State Senator Liu later introduced the bill, which has since been passed and signed into law, allowing the project to move forward with support from multiple local officials and labor unions. Meanwhile, another Queens proposal from Resorts World seeks to expand its existing racino into a full-scale casino resort—backed by billions in prior investment and broad political support, making it a front-runner despite questions about long-term revenue potential.

All three proposals promise economic revitalization, job creation, and upgraded infrastructure, yet they share a common challenge: navigating deep community skepticism. In Coney Island, critics say the proposed casino threatens cultural landmarks and working-class stability, echoing concerns raised in Queens over traffic, displacement, and the transformation of public land into private enterprise. While Resorts World faces less local resistance, both the Coney Island and Metropolitan Park projects have become flashpoints in a larger debate about urban development, equity, and who ultimately benefits from these billion-dollar bids. As public review processes continue and the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board prepares for a final decision later this year, the outcome of each bid may hinge not just on money or renderings—but on whether developers can truly win over the neighborhoods they aim to reshape.

By Alice Moreno

Alanna O’Donnell thought it was a normal day at school on May 30, going to her usual meetings to discuss her farming initiative. She found it weird that none of her colleagues would speak to her that day, but didn’t think too much of it. She was told it was an end-of-the-school-year party, and as she arrived at her classroom, the principal, Christopher Duffy, said that they might not be telling the whole truth — in fact, they were there to honor someone. The entire time, she thought someone was retiring, and they were hosting a party for them.

Little did she know, she was about to be rewarded with a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize as well as a $10,000 grant, as she is the Queens recipient of the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence.

O’Donnell is a veteran of the New York Department of Education, having worked as a special needs teacher for over 12 years. A Flushing native, she is currently working on her second Master’s degree at PACE University, in literacy in TESOL (teaching English to students of other
languages).

Though she doesn’t consider herself a farmer, she and her students run a farm within school grounds. She began this initiative three years ago when she first began teaching at PS 177, Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children, when she noticed that there was a run-down space due to an oil spill that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wanted to find a unique way for children with disabilities to learn, and with that, the farm idea came to be.

“Our first year was a bit of a struggle, but then it just kind of blossomed,” said O’Donnell. “And we wrote a grant to New York [Department of Agriculture and Markets] in the classroom, [and] we got $1,500 to raise chickens.”

O’Donnell and her students — in which all except one are non-verbal — run a chicken coop. She jokingly calls the seven chickens, “morbidly obese young ladies,” and has two baby chickens on the way to be integrated.

She notes that the farm has helped students gain independence, developing a certain level of empathy and respect. The students started off afraid, but after two weeks, the students began to hold the chickens and perform various chores to take care of them.

“Every day, we provide them with a job that has specific tasks and steps that they need to complete,” O’Donnell said. “So, one day it might be they’re in charge of garbage. The next day, they’re in charge of sweeping out the coop. The following day, it’s getting all their food prepared. The next day, it’s getting all their water and spraying down the coop, removing any of the dirty poop.”

O’Donnell’s biggest accomplishment, however, was seeing one of her students initiate a task without help. The student went to the farm, opening the gates, letting the chickens out, shaking the bag (as a way to get the chickens to follow them), and bringing the chickens back. The room fell silent as everyone watched; not a dry eye was in the room.

“His mom said to me, I didn’t know my son [could] do that by himself. And I was like, yeah, he can,” said O’Donnell. “And now it’s like secondhand nature to him, and other students have followed him. So we’re up to, I think, three or four [students] that are doing it independently.”

The FLAG Award, according to their website, states that it “recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment.” The award is given to a teacher in each of the boroughs, plus one 3K-5th grade teacher from any borough.

O’Donnell was nominated by one of the parents of her students, an honor that she is privileged to have. She feels that being nominated by a parent feels as if she already won — a parent seeing her efforts is different from when a stranger sees her efforts.

“I’m super humbled by the award, but to know that a parent sat down one night and wrote an essay about me says does a lot about who they are and how they feel about me, so that was really important to me,” said O’Donnell.

Upon revealing the award, O’Donnell reacted in shock, but nonetheless, was grateful to receive it. The crowd roared with cheers as her name appeared on the big screen, showing the
outpouring of love and respect the students, parents, and faculty have for her.

“This is amazing, and I am so humbled [that] one, to accept an award like this, because when one of us shine, we all shine,” said O’Donnell in her speech. “[And] two, because I’m here at 177th.”

Ruby Kollar

news@queensledger.com

Earlier last week, workers at a climbing gym in Gowanus organized an event to promote a health and safety committee for their union. Staff from multiple locations, union workers and climbers wore red to show their support for the union.

Movement Gym workers at LIC and Gowanus locations have been unionized for almost a year — and now, they are fighting for a health and safety committee. Their unionization was initially sparked by the buyout of these locations by Movement. Two years ago, The Cliffs, a smaller franchise of climbing gyms, operated gyms in LIC, Gowanus, Harlem, Valhalla and one in Callowhill, Philadelphia. In late 2023 all five gyms were bought out and rebranded as Movement Gyms. This sudden change in management caused concern among the gym workers and talk of unionization grew.

The LIC gym unionized in early 2024, followed by the Gowanus location later that year. But there is still work to be done, union representatives noted. Michael Quiles, a coach at Movement LIC for three years, has experienced and worked through the buyout and union organization first hand. “We’re proposing a health and safety committee,” he said, “that can bring up certain issues in the gym in regards to air quality, rope fraying, things of that nature.” The union wants to address these issues with arbitration, while Movement rejects ideas for a third party opinion on problems the gyms may face. (The company did not respond to a request for comment.)

In the northeast, Movement gyms see threats to health and safety in regards to cleanliness and equipment constantly, workers allege. At the Gowanus event, speakers outlined their concerns: mold on the staffroom’s ceiling, which poses a threat to respiratory health. Frayed ropes, which threaten the safety of climbers and staff. And most shockingly, water damage that has caused mushrooms to grow in some parts of the gym. 

“If I want to have a safe experience and a good experience climbing,” said Serenity Scattoni, who has climbed at Movement for the past three years, “I know that I need the workers and the facility to also mirror that and be safe and fair.”

Movement Union workers want to build a safer community not only for themselves but the climbing community that occupy these gyms. City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif made an appearance at the event and demonstrated her support and admiration for the union. She expressed concern about the climbing ropes, equipment failure and lack of accountability of Movement management. She ended with a quick remark directed towards management: “They have been stalling, and it seems like they know how unions bust,” said Hanif, “but we know how to organize.” 

LIC and Gowanus are not alone in their campaign. Other Movement locations across the country have also unionized over the course of the past couple of years. Movement Crystal City in Virginia became the first climbing gym in the nation to unionize back in 2022. The gym was originally called Earth Treks and opened in 1997, before being acquired by Movement. When employees experienced the effects of the new corporate culture, including what they described as poor communication, they unionized. Then, two gyms in Chicago, who were also bought out by Movement, unionized after instructors were terminated with one week notice and little to no explanation. 

Competitors closer to home are following suit: After facing issues with pay and say in gym decisions, Vital locations in Williamsburg and Manhattan unionized in 2023. In May of this year, workers at Metrorock Bushwick petitioned the National Labor Rights Board for a union election. 

As Movement gyms grow, so does the climbing community. Today, climbing has become more mainstream, particularly since it became an olympic sport. And the climbing community is like no other in terms of support and togetherness. Whether you’re a new climber or an experienced one, the community is accepting and encouraging, which is why in many cases unions have support from customers and fellow climbers. 

“Climbing is a community, that’s what it’s all about, it’s what it’s always been about,” said Alexa Zielinski, a routesetter, who designs climbing routes at Movement Gowanus, during last week’s event. “It’s not about profit. It’s not about private equity. It’s all the people that you see around you right now, so thank you all for being here.”