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Forest Hills Stadium Concert Series in Jeopardy

BQE Admin on March 27, 2025

The future of the Forest Hills Stadium summer concert series is uncertain after the NYPD revoked its sound amplification permits, citing safety concerns linked to a dispute over road access.

Over the weekend, the NYPD Legal Bureau notified the stadium’s operators that permits could not be issued because the Forest Hills Garden Corporation (FHGC) had blocked access to the private roads surrounding the venue. The NYPD stated that without the ability to close these streets, it could not ensure public safety at the 13,000-capacity open-air venue.

The decision has sparked backlash from local businesses and workers who depend on the stadium’s concerts for revenue. In response, Forest Hills Stadium pushed back, insisting on social media that its 2025 concert schedule remains on track. 

“Forest Hills Stadium is moving forward with our 2025 concert schedule as planned and our permitting timeline is on its standard schedule,” the stadium wrote on social media. “As happens every season, the vocal NIMBY minority of Forest Hills Gardens are attempting to roadblock yet another enjoyable season of music.”

Residents opposing the concerts say their concerns go beyond noise complaints, arguing that the events disrupt their quality of life. The upcoming season is slated to begin on May 31 with a performance by Bloc Party, but whether the show will go on remains to be seen.

Puppy Kitty NYC: A Lifeline for Stray Cats Across New York City

BQE Admin on March 27, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Puppy Kitty NYC, a non-profit based in Queens, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray and injured cats across New York City. Run by Meagan Licari, the organization focuses on providing care for cats that are sick, homeless, or critically injured—animals that other shelters might turn away. Through their rescue efforts and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, Puppy Kitty NYC works to reduce the city’s overwhelming feline population while offering these animals a second chance at life.

Puppy Kitty NYC has become a crucial player in addressing the city’s feral cat crisis, rescuing an average of 900 cats annually, with 600 finding loving homes each year. Through a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, the organization has gained a reputation for taking in cats that might not make it through traditional shelters, offering them both medical care and, in many cases, a forever home. While the organization rescues a variety of animals, including dogs and small pets, they are primarily equipped to handle cats, with 90% of their focus dedicated to feline care.

Licari, who was born and raised in Connecticut, founded Puppy Kitty NYC after moving to New York and witnessing the overwhelming number of stray and feral cats on the streets. Having studied veterinary technology at Quinnipiac University, she was drawn back to animal rescue after missing the work and began volunteering. Starting with small tasks like transporting cats to veterinary appointments, Licari quickly rose through the ranks of the organization and became its president.

“The purpose of Puppy Kitty and one of our main focuses is rehabilitating and rescuing homeless street cats. We do TNR, trap, neuter, return, to reduce the population of cats here across New York City,” Licari said. 

The organization’s work is grounded in the principles of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), a method to control the city’s overwhelming feline population. TNR involves trapping feral cats, getting them neutered and vaccinated, and returning them to their original location if it’s safe to do so. This approach helps stop the cycle of uncontrolled breeding and ultimately reduces suffering.

However, the task is not without its challenges. Funding remains a constant hurdle, with the organization relying almost entirely on donations and volunteers. Licari expressed frustration that despite the city’s need for services like those Puppy Kitty NYC provides, government funding is limited, leaving the organization often to fend for itself.

“We’re doing animal control, essentially, but there’s very little government support,” she said. “It’s disappointing that New York City doesn’t support the work that’s being done here. We rely on our community, our donors, and social media to keep the organization afloat.”

Despite these difficulties, the organization has flourished, growing from an operation run out of Licari’s garage to a facility with full-time staff and foster homes throughout the five boroughs. Puppy Kitty NYC currently cares for around 400 cats at any given time, with the cats spread across different locations, including foster homes and over 100 cats in the main facility in Queens.

Collaboration with other organizations is key to the success of Puppy Kitty NYC. The group partners with municipal shelters, including the Animal Care Centers of New York, and several other rescue groups, sharing resources and working together to save as many animals as possible. They also operate a food bank to support smaller rescues with essential supplies.

One of the organization’s most notable achievements was in 2024, when it raised over $1 million in funds and in-kind donations, enabling them to continue their mission and support their food bank.

“Last year, we rescued over 900 cats and found 600 cat’s homes and I think that’s pretty amazing,” Licari said. 

Puppy Kitty NYC has also been at the forefront of advocating for responsible pet ownership in the city. Licari is an outspoken advocate for the city’s ban on the sale of cats and dogs from breeders, a law she supported by testifying at city council meetings.

“Always adopt, not shop,” Licari said. “Breeders are for profit, not for animals. So always go to your local animal shelter or rescue to help out an animal.”

Licari also advises pet owners not to let their cats outside, as it increases the risk of accidents, exposure to diseases like feline leukemia, and interactions with other animals that could lead to injury or illness.

“We do not recommend letting your cat outside ever, especially here in New York City,” Licari said. “There’s a lot of different reasons, but number one, it puts them at risk for cars, getting in fights with other animals, disease, losing them. It’s just not safe.”

The journey for Licari, who has built both the organization and lasting friendships with volunteers and staff, has been one of personal growth. Seeing rescued cats transformed from sick and frightened creatures into healthy, happy animals living in loving homes is a reward she says cannot be measured.

“This is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Licari said, holding back tears. “Watching these cats go from almost dying on the streets to living their best life—it’s amazing. So, if are passionate about animals and are interested in joining and volunteering, I promise it will change your life.” 

For those who want to help, Puppy Kitty NYC encourages volunteering, fostering, and donating. The organization is active on social media, posting updates on rescues, needs, and success stories.

“The more support we get, the more lives we can save,” Licari said. 

You can follow Puppy Kitty NYC on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook at @PuppyKittyNYC to stay up to date and get involved.

 

 

Headwall Theatre Presents The Pillowman in Queens

BQE Admin on March 27, 2025

Courtesy Headwall Theatre

 

Headwall Theatre Company will stage Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman, a darkly
comedic and thought-provoking play, at The Secret Theatre in Woodside, NY. Directed
by Josh Lombard, the production will run from March 27 to April 12, with 7:30 p.m.
performances on March 27, 28, 29, April 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and 2 p.m. matinees
on March 30 and April 6.

The play follows Katurian, a writer interrogated by two detectives over the disturbing
content of his short stories. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Katurian’s
tales mirror real-life murders in his town, leading to a gripping exploration of the
relationship between art, violence, and the power of the state to control creative
expression.

Featuring an Equity-approved cast, The Pillowman stars Jonathan Dauermann as
Tupolski, Brian Patterson as Katurian, Nicholas James Reilly as Ariel, Chris Robertson
as Michal, and Luli Ortega as Child. The play’s design team includes Assistant Director
Marianne Goodell, Technical Director John Orosz, and Makeup Designer Kyle Krueger.

Lombard, who has described the play as a haunting examination of storytelling’s impact,
noted that its themes of censorship, truth, and artistic freedom resonate strongly in
today’s climate. “In an era where debates about censorship and creative expression rage
across the nation, where artists and their work are censored, stifled, or erased from
history books, and where the line between fact and fiction grows increasingly blurred, the
play’s themes feel more urgent than ever,” said Lombard in a statement.

The production, which has been praised for its balance of humor and darkness, will run
approximately 150 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available for
purchase on the company’s website at headwalltheatrecompany.org.

The Pillowman premiered in London in 2003 and had a Broadway debut in 2005,
winning multiple awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Play and Tony
Awards for Best Lighting and Scenic Design.

Headwall Theatre Company, based in Queens, seeks to support emerging theater artists
and foster a vibrant, creative community. This production offers a chance to experience
McDonagh’s thought-provoking work in an intimate, community-driven setting.

For more information, visit headwalltheatrecompany.org or follow the company on social
media @headwalltheatre.

Unplug and Grow, The Power of Summer Camp

BQE Admin on March 27, 2025

Courtesy Freepik

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

As the days start to grow warmer and the school year winds down, many parents are
considering the benefits of summer camp for their children. Far beyond a mere escape
from the classroom, summer camps provide kids with life-changing experiences that
foster personal growth, build resilience, and create lasting memories. According to the
American Camp Association (ACA) and Gateway Region YMCA, the skills and values
developed at summer camp contribute to shaping the future of young minds.

Summer camps offer more than just fun—they provide a unique environment where
children develop critical life skills. Whether through outdoor adventures like canoeing
and horseback riding or creative activities like arts and crafts, kids learn to communicate,
collaborate, and problem-solve. For example, children playing a sport or hiking with
peers develop leadership skills, while group projects teach them to work together toward
common goals.

Moreover, summer camp promotes independence. For many kids, camp represents their
first extended time away from their parents, offering them the opportunity to explore new
activities, make decisions on their own, and develop a sense of identity.

Camp also offers a much-needed break from the screen-heavy, structured routine of the
school year. With more than seven hours a day spent in front of a screen, children often
miss out on the chance to engage in physical play and creative exploration. Summer
camps, however, provide ample opportunities for unstructured outdoor play, which is
vital for mental, physical, and emotional development.

Another key benefit of summer camp is the development of resilience. Whether it’s
overcoming a fear of heights on a climbing wall or learning from a lost game, kids at
camp face challenges that help them grow stronger, teaching them the value of
perseverance.

Lastly, summer camps play an essential role in developing social skills. Through
teamwork, community living, and shared activities, kids learn the importance of respect,
fairness, and trust. These values, fostered in a supportive and supervised setting, prepare
children to become compassionate and responsible citizens.

As noted by the Gateway Region YMCA, camps provide a nurturing environment where
children not only grow but thrive, building competencies in areas like communication,
leadership, and teamwork.

As the summer season soon approaches, Queens parents are encouraged to start
researching local camps and programs to give their children the opportunity to benefit
from these life-changing experiences. Whether you’re looking for day camps, overnight
options, or specialized programs, there are numerous opportunities in the area that cater
to various interests and age groups. By starting early, parents can ensure they find a camp
that aligns with their child’s needs and passions.

 

Democrats Want It All, But Can They Have It

BQE Admin on March 25, 2025

By Robert Hornak

New York has become a real pressure cooker for Democrats, with a voter base – fully gripped by Trump Derangement Syndrome – that wants their party to just throw down and battle Trump at every step, but at the same time wants moderate, responsible leaders who can get things done and have a vision for the future.

They will learn the hard way, however, they can’t have both. 

Chuck Schumer tried to be the responsible adult in the room during the budget extension negotiation. Rather than shut the government down and put his party in a position to be savaged he opted instead to pass a continuing resolution and live to fight another day. 

There was little to gain by opposing the bill, and this was essentially the same clean CR that the Democrats were demanding that Republicans support just last year. But that doesn’t matter to a party that only wants to fight with their friends across the aisle. The calls for Schumer to resign are now building. His own party wants his blood for the now unforgivable sin of working across the political divide. 

There is now rampant speculation that Alexandria Ocasio Cortez will run for his senate seat in 2028 and challenge Schumer in a primary should he run for reelection. Democrats overwhelmingly love the seething anti-Trumpism that people like AOC, Bernie Sanders, and other radical leftists are spewing. For them it’s like hearing Bon Jovi sing “Livin’ on a Prayer” in concert. 

But Democrats don’t want the rest of the agenda being pushed by the AOCs of their party. Recent polls of primary voting Democrats in NYC show that while they want strong opposition to Trump, they also want real solutions to the problems the city is confronting, including getting rid of criminal illegal aliens, putting other criminals in jail, and getting the homeless off city streets and into treatment.

This is why Andrew Cuomo is way, way ahead in the polls for mayor. In the most recent poll, Cuomo has grown his voter support to 41% before ranked choice voting kicks in, and in a RCV simulation he gets over 50% very quickly.  

Second place still goes to socialist Zohran Mamdami at 18%, up from 12% in the last poll. Mamdami is certainly getting his name recognition up with all the press he’s received from his second place showing in the polls to his strong ability to raise tons of cash. 

But he has his limit, only people who want a socialist for mayor will rank him at all. As Cuomo goes above 51% in the simulation, Mandami is only at 23%. And his being a pro-Palestinian anti-Semite isn’t making him any more palatable to voters who are in large numbers Jewish and pro-Israel. 

This is a conundrum that Kathy Hochul has navigated rather well. While her approval numbers are also down, she has avoided Schumer-like calls for her head, managing to show push back against Trump while still finding a defensible way to work with him. But the rubber will meet the road for her over the congestion tax scheme that Trump is demanding she dump, while Hochul wants to dig in and support this incredibly unpopular working-class cash grab. 

Hochul is still likely to have a vigorous primary for her reelection in 2026, but she has a strong advantage there as the incumbent. Especially if the field loads up with anti-Hochul candidates, dividing that vote. But she faced a too-close-for-comfort reelection in 2022 against a lackluster Republican and is likely to face a stronger opponent next time. 

How she balances the anti-Trumpism that her base wants along with the responsible leadership mainstream voters want will have a strong effect on her ability to win another term. Trump did better in NY each election, increasing his vote by 200,000 in 2020, and by another 400,000 in 2024. So most voters are warming to him, even as the Democratic base is consumed with Trump-hatred. 

If Democrats can’t reconcile their blinding desire to fight Trump and their need to work with him, it’s very possible the party could boil over and split into two very distinct factions that open a path for Republicans to start winning citywide and statewide elections again.

Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com and @RobertHornak on X.

 

 

Black inventors in AI: Shaping the Future of Technology Exhibition

BQE Admin on March 20, 2025

By: Courtney Kerr

Black History month has come to an end, but at the Black Inventors Museum they celebrate year round. Their latest exhibit, “Black Inventors in AI: Shaping the Future of Technology” ran between February 21-23 and February 28-March 2, 2025 at Brooklyn City Point. This multimedia presentation is a tribute to Black inventors and innovators internationally.

“The Black Inventors Exhibit is for everyone — all age groups and ethnicities,” said James Ince, the curator.  “It graciously complements all science and American history curricula, while promoting positive images in those who seek to learn about the discoveries and challenges of these great inventors.”

While the museum was founded 29 years ago in western Massachusetts, this is the first exhibit it has hosted in New York City. Their last weekend in the city, the exhibit also featured a book signing for Keith C. Holmes´ book, Black Inventors, Crafting Over 200 Years of Success as well as a children’s workshop.

The museum’s goal, as Ince describes it, is to celebrate history and inspire future generations — promoting racial understanding as well as providing a new motivation for learning. The exhibits reveal many interesting facts, and highlight the accomplishments of Black inventors in the fields of science, aerospace, communication, health care, agriculture, transportation and engineering. Over 175 inventions are represented in a collection which includes patents designs, personal letters, rare photographs and brief biographies of Black inventors. 

The exhibit featured inventors like Lonnie Johnson, the creator of the super soaker water gun, which has generated well over $200 million dollars in retail sales and continues to be a top seller. Elsewhere was Sarah Goode, the first Black woman to be granted a patent by the U.S Patent and Trademark Office for her invention the cabinet bed, in 1885. Another figure was Dr. Shirley-Ann Jackson, who was the first African-American woman to acquire a Ph.D. from the M.I.T and is the woman who made Caller ID and call waiting possible. Lastly, Emmet McHenry’s innovation and vision helped shape the internet’s infrastructure, which has paved the way for the growth of the digital economy and global connectivity we have today. 

While their recent run has ended, the Black Inventors Museum defines themselves as a “traveling museum,” meaning that the exhibit can still be booked for events across the United States and internationally. They are therefore available in a lot of places where this information wouldn’t be shared or taught normally. Their exhibits have been featured at educational conferences, cultural expos, professional conventions, and corporate diversity programs.

You can find all their information about upcoming events and exhibits on https://blackinventorsmuseum.com/lab

 

 

Grammar School Performs

BQE Admin on March 20, 2025

When a small catholic academy puts on a theatrical performance that includes 80 performers and few dozen crewmembers, it’s nothing short of a logistical marvel. The St. Stans, Maspeth, Performing Arts Players have been performing shows with students from the school for 15 years now, and the Beauty & The Beast performances this past weekend, which featured 80 cast members singing and dancing, did not disappoint.

More than 200 audience members came to each of the three performances and the performing arts program at this school continues to attract students interested in theatre, music and dance.

Maspeth Federal Savings Opens State-of-the-Art Tech Center

BQE Admin on March 20, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Maspeth Federal Savings took a step toward the future on March 12 with the unveiling of its new Tech Center at 55-31 69th St, Maspeth. The state-of-the-art facility, which aims to enhance the bank’s focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and community leadership, was presented during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, partners, and community members.

“This state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Maspeth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, cybersecurity, and community leadership,” said Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings, during his speech.

Rudzewick, who was recently honored as Business Person of the Year by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of adapting to a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are no longer a futuristic concept. They’re an urgent priority,” he said. “This center represents our pledge to proactively address challenges that these technologies bring and harness their potential so that we are ensuring the financial safety and stability of our associations’ members and the communities that we serve.”

The new Tech Center houses talented minds from the bank’s information technology, cybersecurity, data science, and core banking departments, providing them with a collaborative workspace designed to promote innovative solutions and enhance the bank’s technological capabilities.

“Here, they’ll be able to collaborate and solve problems together face-to-face in a shared space because we at Maspeth Federal Savings believe that people are the answers. No matter how digital the universe becomes, our world will always revolve around the people that are living in it,” Rudzewick said.

The Tech Center is equipped with cutting-edge tools designed to strengthen security measures, including fraud prevention, rapid incident response, and enhanced risk management. According to Rudzewick, this investment is about more than just technological growth; it’s about community service.

“Most importantly, though, it’s about serving our community. We’re here to support the dreams and aspirations of our neighbors, providing them with the financial resources and guidance that they need to thrive,” he said.

Rudzewick also extended his gratitude to the bank’s board of directors, employees, elected officials, and various partners involved in the project. “Together, we’ve built something more than just a physical structure. We’ve built a beacon of innovation, security, and community right here in the center of Maspeth, our little town.”

The Tech Center’s unveiling marks the beginning of what Maspeth Federal Savings hopes will be a new era of technological advancement and community leadership. As Rudzewick noted, “This technology center will be a powerful reminder in years to come of what we can achieve when we embrace change and work together for a common goal.”

 

Flushing Town Hall Hosts Indo-Constellations: A Night of Music and Culture

BQE Admin on March 20, 2025

Courtesy: Roshni Samlal

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Flushing Town Hall will host “Indo-Constellations” on March 23, a one-night-only event that brings the dynamic sounds of Liberty Avenue to the stage. The show, curated by tabla artist and DJ Roshni Samlal, highlights Indo-Caribbean artists whose music reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Queens.

“Indo-Constellations” will feature performances by Ben Parag, Josanne Francis, Roshni Samlal, and Pallaví, also known as Fijiana, with music spanning Bollywood classics, jazz, chutney, hip-hop, and more. Samlal described the show as “very Queens” in the way it reflects the borough’s musical landscape, where Indo-Caribbean heritage and contemporary sounds naturally mix.

The festival, which runs from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will also include a DJ set for dancing and vendors serving West Indian street food. Samlal, who moved from Trinidad to Richmond Hill and grew up surrounded by the vibrant Indo-Caribbean culture of Liberty Avenue, said the event is intended to be more than a concert. 

“We’re really going for the festival vibe, inviting people to come and hang. It’s not just one set and then a passive experience,” Samlal said. 

Raised in a family of Guyanese musical talent, Ben Parag is a New York native and fluent Hindi speaker who trained in classical music under the guidance of gurus Kinnar and Payal Seen. His talent took him to India, where he performed on the television show Dil Hai Hindustani, earning praise from Bollywood director Karan Johar and other renowned judges. Parag’s style blends Bollywood classics with chutney and tassa influences, creating a unique sound that appeals to diverse audiences while keeping his Caribbean roots close.

Josanne Francis, born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, is an internationally acclaimed steelpan performer and music educator known for her delicate yet powerful playing style. Her music draws from traditional Calypso, Jazz, Indian, Funk, Rock, and Classical influences—an unconventional mix for her instrument. She has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Strathmore Music Center, and has been featured at festivals across the U.S. and internationally. Francis is also the Executive Director of the Cultural Academy for Excellence, Inc., and runs her own educational steelpan program, Steel on Wheels.

Pallaví, known by her stage name Fijiana, embodies the multicultural landscape of Fiji and the Bay Area. Her eclectic sound combines jazz-influenced rap, modern pop, and Indo-Afro beats, reflecting her dual cultural identity. Pallaví’s music tackles political issues, spiritual experiences, and personal stories, all rooted in real emotions. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone India, Vogue India, KQED, and Brown Girl Magazine, and her song “Identity” was an official selection at the South Asian Film Festival of America.

Samlal, a New York-based tabla player and DJ, has studied within the Farrukhabad, Benares, and Punjab gharanas of Indian classical percussion. She is a prolific teacher and performer, collaborating with traditional musicians like Pt. Krishna Bhatt, as well as contemporary ensembles such as In D Ensemble and Orakel. Samlal’s work also explores electronic production, using sound collages and poetry to address topics like post-colonial Caribbean identity and migration. As the curator and producer of the Ragini Festival, she spotlights innovative arts within the South Asian diaspora, focusing on Indo-Caribbean heritage.

The evening’s lineup will open with Ben Parag’s Bollywood-inspired set, followed by a special mash-up performance featuring steelpan, tassa, and tabla—highlighting the rich musical heritage of Trinidad. The event will culminate with Pallaví’s powerful blend of hip-hop, storytelling, and Indo-Fijian themes.

Flushing Town Hall’s collaboration with Samlal’s Ragini Festival marks the first time the event has been held at the venue, bringing together artists from the Indo-Caribbean diaspora in a celebration of identity and innovation.

“For South Asians in particular, a lot of them don’t realize that there’s a whole extension of South Asian culture that morphed and moved and preserved so much connection to the continent,” Samlal said. “What an act of resistance that is. And how we really progressed our identity too.”

Tickets for Indo-Constellations are available for $30 at flushingtownhall.org.

Forest Hills Restaurateur Battles Construction Woes, Fights to Keep Doors Open

BQE Admin on March 20, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Puneet Singh had high hopes for his expanding culinary vision on Ascan Avenue. After the runaway success of his restaurant, White Radish, a farm-to-table American kitchen, which opened in the fall of 2020 and thrived through the turbulent years of the pandemic, Singh decided to double down. In late 2023, he signed a lease to expand to Daikon Sushi Room next door, investing over $400,000 into the sleek new spot at 108-23 Ascan Avenue.

The expansion was supposed to be a lucrative move. But what should have been a promising new chapter for Singh’s businesses instead turned into a nightmare of financial stress and dwindling customer access.

It all began in April 2024, when the MTA launched construction work directly in front of Singh’s establishments. The project, intended to build a new ADA-accessible ramp for the 71st Continental Avenue Long Island Rail Road station, quickly became a source of frustration and financial turmoil.

“They just came and dropped off the paperwork to notify notify us, and that there was no time frame given to us, whether it was going to take up to three months, six months or a year.” Singh said. “They put all these barricades up, they put the fencing up, the sidewalk was closed, and they had detour signs directing people away from the area.”

Throughout the summer of 2024, the barriers remained, stifling foot traffic and cutting deep into the restaurant’s revenue. Singh missed revenue targets and fell behind on rent, payroll, and sales tax obligations. The construction site, which was supposed to be temporary, turned into a drawn-out disaster.

“People do not want to cross a construction zone to get to a restaurant,” Singh said. “You have metal barricades, cranes, construction equipment, and danger signs everywhere. It’s not inviting. They put up even more barriers and took away parking spots. We were losing our customers.”

By August 2024, the barricades were removed after the project was halted due to budget restrains. But the damage was already done. The prime summer season had slipped away, dragging White Radish and Daikon Sushi Room into financial quicksand. While sales began to recover slightly, they remained far below the expected targets.

Just as things started to look up, construction crews returned three weeks ago in early 2025. The barricades, fencing, and trucks are back, and Singh’s frustration is mounting.

“They came back and installed everything again,” Singh said. “They just showed up one morning and started putting everything back up. The permit says three months, but I don’t trust that. Last time, they said it was temporary, and it lasted months. This could drag on for a year or more.”

The ongoing construction has made it nearly impossible for regular customers to return to White Radish and Daikon Sushi Room. With the large green barricades blocking the storefronts, passersby in Forest Hills can no longer see the restaurants, making it difficult to capture the attention of new customers. The constant disruption has caused loyal patrons to avoid the area, while potential diners are unaware of the businesses altogether. As a result, attracting new customers and maintaining steady foot traffic has become an overwhelming struggle.

The renewed construction has already caused further declines in revenue. Singh fears he may lose both of his businesses, which employ local Queens residents and contribute to the neighborhood’s charm.

Due to the ongoing construction disruptions and dwindling business, the number of employees has been cut from 24 to just 14. With revenue dropping significantly, the restaurants have also had to reduce their hours of operation. To make matters worse, the barriers are often moved in the evening, blocking additional parking spaces and further deterring potential diners from stopping by. The lack of foot traffic and customer demand has forced these tough decisions, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the businesses and provide steady work for the remaining staff.

What was once a charming spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal has now become an unpleasant experience due to the constant construction. The noise from the work is so loud that it makes conversation nearly impossible, and the vibrations from the machinery often shake the walls of the restaurants. Adding to the discomfort, a diesel truck frequently pulls up to the construction site, filling the air with a strong, unpleasant odor that drifts into the storefronts, further ruining the dining atmosphere.

“We swallowed the losses last year, this year, we’re just trying to catch up on our bills,” Singh said. “I’ve invested everything into these restaurants. If this keeps on going like this, there is no way we will be able to sustain for another year or so.”

Singh is demanding immediate action: the removal of the barricades and restoration of access to his restaurants, along with formal discussions about financial compensation for the losses incurred.

“We need them to just move this away from our restaurant, there’s an empty store across the street,” Singh said. “There’s a lot of space which is not being used. They should, first of all, remove this barrier, and should cover up our damages.”

Singh has reached out to the MTA multiple times, but they have not been cooperative on the construction aspect. However, he is scheduled to meet with the Senior Director of Public Affairs later this week to discuss the issue.

Until then, he remains in a holding pattern, pouring money into his businesses in the hope that, one day, the view from Ascan Avenue will be clear again.

As White Radish remains caught in construction limbo and fights for support, readers can continue to visit the two storefronts at 108-25 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, to support a local business during this challenging time.

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