NYC Marathon 2024
LaGuardia Community College Opens New Urban Farm, Finca La Florecita
LaGuardia Community College celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on October 30, a new urban farm aimed at enhancing education and addressing food insecurity.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on Oct 30, a new urban farm and research center designed to enhance the educational experience for students while addressing food insecurity in the community. The farm, named in honor of former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia—whose name means “little flower” in Italian—reflects the college’s commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 45% of its student body identifying as Hispanic. Finca La Florecita is located behind the college’s C-Building, at street-level on 47th Street between 29th and 30th Streets, in a lot that was previously a construction staging area.
LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams emceed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. Their presence underscored the importance of the project not only to the college but to the broader community.
“This program represents an equalization for underserved schools and students. Many students, especially low-income students, have never been to a farm. Here they can pick up vegetables and new skills,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “All it takes is one individual with a great idea. But in order to execute that idea and put it to work, it takes a whole village.”
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez expressed his enthusiasm for the newly built initiative.
“You couldn’t think of a better project in terms of hitting everything that’s important and beautiful about the work that we do in education and the work that we do at CUNY and LaGuardia,” said Rodríguez.
The event also featured a Living Land Acknowledgement from Sub-Chief Owl S. D. Smith of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, who was introduced by Estefany Gonzaga, director of LaGuardia’s Peer Mentor Program.
“This is land of the Lenape people. It’s not our land,” said Sub-Chief Smith. “I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge the land we are on than building an urban farm on it.”
The farm, named after former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, will serve as a hands-on learning space for students and provide fresh produce to the campus food pantry.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees participated in hands-on workshops led by LaGuardia faculty and community partners. These workshops covered various topics, including flower pressing, botanical illustration, soil building, and Indigenous agricultural wisdom. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the land and learn about sustainable practices that can benefit both individuals and the community.
“When we support urban farms and community gardens, we are creating more equitable access for folks to be able to increase affordable health while also mitigating effects of climate change,” said Ms. Mickie, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Urban Agriculture. “When you are able to be on the land and connect to land and connect to your community, you are growing power as well. School gardens are learning gardens, learning gardens are community gardens, and all of our growing green spaces are vital and the lungs of our city.”
Finca La Florecita serves as a research and learning space for students enrolled in the Sustainable Urban Agriculture program. The farm includes a compost program and a high tunnel greenhouse that allows for year-round cultivation of produce. This innovative approach aims to extend the growing season and enhance food access in an urban environment. Students have already planted a diverse array of crops, including kale, Brussels sprouts, and culturally significant vegetables such as hot peppers and bok choy. These selections reflect the backgrounds and preferences of the students, fostering a sense of community and cultural relevance.
“A garden is a solution that leads to many other solutions,” said Ms. Vilamil, USDA’s NYC Urban County Executive Director.
In addition to supporting academic learning, La Finca is committed to addressing food insecurity in the local community. The farm will provide fresh produce to the LaGuardia CARES food pantry, which serves students and families in need. Each semester, three students will receive stipends to work as farm fellows, gaining valuable hands-on experience in urban farming careers. This initiative not only enhances their education but also equips them with skills relevant to emerging job opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
The project is supported by a $250,000 USDA grant awarded in 2021, which highlights the significance of urban farming in promoting climate resiliency and improving food access in New York City. As urban farming continues to gain traction, initiatives like La Finca are essential in creating sustainable food systems that benefit both residents and the environment.
LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, offers over 50 degrees and certificates aimed at enhancing socioeconomic mobility for its diverse student body. As it embraces innovative projects like Finca La Florecita, the college remains committed to its legacy of serving underserved populations and providing high-quality education that meets the needs of the community.
The Need for Permanent Homeowner Protection Program in New York
Courtesy BPHA Caucus
A coalition of lawmakers, advocates, and homeowners gathered in Southeast Queens on October 30 to push for the permanent establishment of the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) in New York.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
A coalition of lawmakers, advocates, and affected homeowners gathered on Oct 30 in Southeast Queens to urge the New York State government to make the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) a permanent fixture in the state’s housing support framework.
Attorney General Letitia James was joined by members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, along with legal service providers and homeownership counselors, to emphasize the program’s critical importance in aiding vulnerable families facing housing crises.
Since its inception, HOPP has served as a vital resource for New Yorkers, providing free legal assistance to those grappling with foreclosure, predatory lending, housing discrimination, and real estate scams. The program also offers essential services such as homeowner retention counseling and loan modification assistance. According to James, HOPP has helped over 170,000 New Yorkers navigate these challenges, making it a crucial component of the state’s response to the ongoing housing crisis.
“As New Yorkers confront a housing crisis across the state, trusted support to help keep vulnerable people in their homes is more important than ever,” James said. “For over a decade, my office has helped the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) provide free legal services to over 170,000 New Yorkers in every county of the state. HOPP’s partner organizations help stop foreclosures, lower homeowners’ bills, and prevent frauds like deed theft. I thank Senator Kavanagh, Assemblymember Solages, and the members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus for their leadership in this effort to codify HOPP into law.”
The impact of the foreclosure crisis has been particularly pronounced in Southeast Queens, which suffered heavily during the 2008 housing market crash. In 2009 alone, more than 2,000 homes in the area were foreclosed. Today, Southeast Queens still experiences some of the highest foreclosure rates in the United States, making the need for HOPP’s services even more pressing.
To address this issue, the New York state budget allocated $40 million to HOPP for FY 2024-2025. However, this funding is seen as a short-term solution. New legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages and Senator Brian Kavanagh, seeks to make HOPP a permanent program, thereby securing ongoing funding for the future. The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate in June, and advocates are now calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.
“The Homeowner Protection Program has provided vital assistance to homeowners across the state, allowing families to stay in their homes and hold onto their most valuable asset,” Solages said. “Making HOPP permanent would allow these funds to be appropriated each year, giving homeowners, legal service organizations, and homeowner retention counselors the stability necessary to access and provide these services free of charge. Our most vulnerable New Yorkers, including the thousands of families in Southeast Queens who were hit hard by the foreclosure crisis, deserve a safety net that allows them to achieve and hold onto the dream of homeownership. I thank Attorney General James, Senator Kavanagh, my colleagues in the Caucus, and all the HOPP service providers for supporting this critical program and for standing up for homeowners in New York.”
Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson emphasized the broader implications of HOPP’s permanence.
“By making the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) a permanent part of New York’s housing support, we’re not just preserving homes—we’re safeguarding the stability of communities, especially in Southeast Queens and across Black and Brown neighborhoods. HOPP will empower our homeowners in Springfield Gardens, Queens, and families across Assembly District 31, who face among the highest rates of foreclosure in the county,” said Anderson. “Every dollar invested in HOPP saves New York fivefold in community costs, ensuring families understand and protect their rights to get the legal and financial support they need to stay home. Governor Hochul must sign this bill as an urgent step toward justice, economic strength, and securing futures for thousands of families.”
Courtesy BPHA Caucus
Attorney General Letitia James emphasized HOPP’s critical role in providing free legal assistance to families facing foreclosure and other housing crises, having already helped over 170,000 New Yorkers.
Supporters at the press conference included various legal and housing advocacy organizations. Jacob Inwald, Director of Litigation-Economic Justice at Legal Services NYC, described HOPP as “New York’s most effective tool for preserving existing affordable homeownership.” He underscored the importance of funding for legal advocates who help prevent vulnerable homeowners from falling victim to scams, particularly in communities of color historically excluded from homeownership opportunities.
“HOPP is New York’s most effective tool for preserving existing affordable homeownership, and is its only tool for preventing deed theft and other scams targeting vulnerable homeowners at risk of mortgage and property tax foreclosure—primarily in communities of color that were historically excluded from homeownership by redlining,” Inwald said. “While recently enacted improvements to the law provide some new protections to those who have already been victimized by deed theft scammers, to prevent these scams in the first place funding the network of trusted advocates is crucial. That network ensures that struggling homeowners do not fall prey to scammers and it provides trusted, free services that lead to home-saving solutions that preserve affordable homeownership and intergenerational wealth, averts displacement, and fosters neighborhood stability.”
Lori Miller, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, echoed the urgency for permanent HOPP funding, highlighting its role in stabilizing not only individual families but entire neighborhoods.
“HOPP Program funding for foreclosure prevention counseling has been an invaluable resource to housing counseling and legal services agencies like Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, enabling us to provide foreclosure mitigation services to distressed homeowners,” Miller said. “Communities of color are often at a disadvantage when it comes to financial resources, which contributes to the homeownership gap. Foreclosure has a destabilizing effect on not only the family who loses their home, but the neighborhood as well. Studies have shown that homeowners who received foreclosure mitigation counseling are more likely to obtain a mortgage modification and remain current on their mortgage after receiving one. Expanding and establishing permanent funding for housing counseling and education programs can help address this gap by not only stabilizing homeowners who would have otherwise lost their homes but also by providing program participants with the opportunity to develop the skills needed to secure financial stability and homeownership.”
Courtesy BPHA Caucus
Advocates are now urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would secure ongoing funding for HOPP, ensuring continued support for vulnerable communities.
As the press conference concluded, speakers collectively urged Governor Hochul to act swiftly in signing the legislation, reinforcing the necessity of HOPP for New Yorkers facing housing challenges. The call for permanent funding is not just about maintaining a program; it is about preserving the hope of homeownership for countless families across the state.
With the stakes so high and the need for supportive resources growing, advocates remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring that the Homeowner Protection Program becomes a permanent safety net for New York’s most vulnerable homeowners.
Will NY Determine Who Controls the House?
by Robert Hornak
The 2024 election is almost over. I’m sure many people would say
mercifully so. While a victory by former President Trump is looking
increasingly likely the talk has begun to turn toward who will control
Congress.
Republican control of the Senate looks like a near certainty. Of the 11 seats
up for election held by Republicans, including two open seats, only one
Republican is in danger of losing – Deb Fischer of Nebraska. She’s only up
by one point in the polls, but Trump is ahead in Nebraska by 16 points. It’s
very likely his strong performance will pull her across the finish line.
Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to defend 23 seats, including 7 open
seats. Of those, West Virginia’s open seat is considered an easy win for
Republicans, putting the Senate at 50-50. In Montana, another state Trump
will do well in, Democrat Jon Tester is down in the polls.
The respected Cook Political Report has rated the races in Michigan,
Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania as toss ups. And the seats in Arizona
and Nevada are only very narrow leads for the Democrats. If Republicans
run the table and see upset wins in the surprisingly close race in Maryland
and flip Virginia, they would be at 59 seats.
So, what are the chances that Republican can win the trifecta on Tuesday?
Pretty good, no matter what happens in New York.
Cook rates 25 House races as toss ups, 11 Democrats and 14
Republicans. These swing districts will have less to do with which
presidential candidate wins their state than with the local dynamics.
Excitement over the candidate at the top of the ballot can influence the
results down ballot, depending on the strength of their coattails.
Strong candidates for president have big coattails, sweeping many
candidates from their party into office. One rare exception was 2020, where
Democrats actually lost 11 House seats, setting up the 2022 election where
Republicans were able to take back control of the House by gaining 9 seats
that November.
In addition to the toss up races, Cook rates 11 blue seats as leaning
Democrat, or somewhat competitive. Meanwhile, there are only 6
Republican seats that are leaning Republican, with one incumbent’s race
rated as leaning Democrat. They also rate 16 Democrat seats and 10
Republican seats as likely wins for their respective party. Every other race
they rate as solid, or not even remotely competitive.
In all that’s 38 Democrat seats and 31 Republican seats that could be in
play. This is where the action is going to be on election night, and we are
likely to see a number of surprises. There are always incumbents that you
thought were a goner, but manage to hang on, and a couple that you were
sure to be re-elected that end up defeated.
Some of this will depend on the strength of presidential coattails in these
districts, with turnout certain to be affected by the enthusiasm each
candidate has generated. And on the enthusiasm meter, Trump seems to
have the advantage.
But ultimately it will depend on the strength of the individual candidates and
the races they run. So regardless of whether Republicans hold their seats
in New York or wind up losing two or three, the chances that Republicans
overall will pick up a number of seats around the country are very good and
we are likely to see a significantly larger Republican conference in the
House next year.
Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously
served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC
office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can
be reached at rahornak@gmail.com.
Adams Indictment Turns City into State of Confusion
by Robert Hornak
It’s been weeks since Mayor Eric Adams was indicted, and NYC’s future couldn’t be murkier. Right on cue, the calls for Adams to resign was immediate. No due process required. AOC and her gang of far-left radicals, who never found Adams sufficiently far left enough, lead the charge along with people like Brad Lander and Scott Stringer who covet the office Adams now holds. Ulterior motives abound.
Some are defending Adams and his right to due process, led by Adams allies Hazel Dukes from the NAACP and Al Sharpton, no stranger to corruption charges himself. Now Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, has come out on Adams behalf.
Meanwhile, Adams has been defiant, proclaiming his innocence. So, if Adams refuses to resign, what happens next?
There are many possibilities. First, Gov. Hochul has the power to remove him according to chapter 1, section 9 of the City Charter, and as affirmed in 1932 by the court when FDR explored using it to remove Jimmy Walker. However, it’s unclear if Hochul wants to risk the backlash from Black Democrats.
It’s also unlikely that the Democrats want to trigger a very unpredictable special election to replace Adams. The same goes for the Inability Committee provided for by the charter, consisting of five people, only one of whom would be appointed by someone who has called for Adams to resign. And it’s unlikely that Brad Lander would want next in line Jumaane Williams – who wasn’t even considering running for mayor next year – to become acting Mayor, giving him the chance to act mayoral for the non-partisan special election.
A special election also opens the door for many wildcard candidates, including Andrew Cuomo, who has expressed interest in running in a special election knowing that his chances are far worse in the June partisan primary. Some members of the City Council may also get in on the action, wanting a platform for their issues or just to enhance their name ID, but can then still run for re-election to their council seat.
However, should Adams hold on into the new year the opportunity for a special election runs out. The charter prohibits a special election once it gets within 90 days of the regularly scheduled primary, which would occur in late March – right in the middle of petitioning for anyone looking to run for the full four-year term. That makes petitioning for a seat like Public Advocate very messy, inviting people to jump into that race as well.
Democrats who need to make decisions on what office to run for next year will want a potential special election to be held by early February, which will require Adams removal no later than early December. Who wins that special will determine what November race they petition for later that month.
There is no easy or clear path forward. Adams lawyers could negotiate a plea bargain sometime next year that would require him to plead guilty and resign, and we get an acting mayor, either Williams or Lander, until the end of the year. The only thing certain is that the timing of this has made a bad situation worse, nothing that anyone could have wanted.
Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party.
New Lefrak City Library to Rise with Support with $1 Million Allocation
Courtesy Queens Public Library
Left to right: State Senator Jessica Ramos, CLM Sharon Diamond-Velox, Larinda Hooks, a candidate for the New York’s 35th State Assembly District, Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Council Member Francisco Moya and QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Queens Public Library celebrated Assembly Member Jeff Aubry on Friday, November 1, for his decades of dedicated service to the community and his pivotal support of the new Lefrak City Library. The event included a ceremonial check presentation commemorating Aubry’s generous $1 million capital allocation to the project.
Held outside the new 8,300-square-foot facility at 95-15 Horace Harding Expressway, the event underscored the significance of this new library in the community. The space, which previously housed a daycare center, is set to undergo extensive renovations estimated at $9.8 million, revitalizing an area previously impacted by the closure of the old library site on 57th Avenue after severe flooding from Hurricane Ida in 2021.
Courtesy Queens Public Library
Rendering of the future Lefrak City Library, set to transform the community with modern facilities and resources.
“For more than three decades, Assembly Member Aubry has been a staunch supporter of our libraries, giving millions of dollars in expense and capital funding to the branches in his district,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are grateful to him for yet another generous contribution, which will help us develop a new, inspiring space to serve the Lefrak City community for years to come. We thank him for his dedicated service to his district, our city and state.”
Joining the celebration were prominent figures including State Senator Jessica Ramos, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott, as well as local candidate Larinda Hooks and Council Member Francisco Moya. The event also featured a rendering of the new Lefrak City Library, symbolizing a fresh start for library services in the neighborhood.
Aubry’s longstanding commitment to education and community development was highlighted, showcasing how public funding can help restore vital resources for residents. The new library is anticipated to serve as a cornerstone for learning and engagement, addressing the needs of the community and offering a safe, accessible space for all.
Marathon Tops City’s Best Day of the Year
We can talk about the New Year Eve Ball Drop, we can talk about the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center, or even the fireworks display on July 4th, but the NYC Marathon is the logistical marvel that unites the city and shows the world why New York is the best destination for a vacation and to call home. Our team took photos along the route throughout Brooklyn and Queens, and when we got together to talk about the day, it’s obvious it’s a day-long celebration that brings the city to life.
“The street festivals are great, but this is epic,” said one runner who stopped and talked to us by the Pulaski Bridge in LIC.
Two million people lined the streets in the fie boroughs to cheer the runners through their journey.
What a day to be In New York!
Queens Whitestone to Astoria Greenway Trail Needs Better Examination
The DOT can’t blame residents for becoming skeptical of a ’15-mile-long’ (wide) path, slotted for cyclists in Queens. While certainly most of us might see a continuous trail as a great way to take a bike ride across the borough, many worry about the non-enforcement of the rampant bandit crews stalking those paths, looking for people who might be alone or who might be vulnerable. We might call this ‘development in a vacuum.’ A route that is too narrow for an automobile, yet perfect for a motorized scooter is a magnet for thieves and thugs. That’s all. The argument against something like this is more about planning with thought. So when the local councilperson in Whitestone puts up a performance which is considered by DOT to be a violation of their code-of-conduct, it’s about considering the impact the greenway will have on safety, parking, motorists and homeowners.
We know there are some statements made at these DOT hearings about people from Whitestone not wanting to connect with people from Astoria. We know that makes the news sound-bytes. And there will always be people who might think that way.
It’s safety, it’s convenience and quality of life.
Can We Restore Civility to American Politics?
By Robert Hornak
Tomorrow is election day but when you read this the election will be over and we will likely know who the winner is. One of the longest and most contentious elections in modern history will be over, so the obvious question many will be asking is, what next?
Regardless of who wins, approximately half the country will believe that this is the beginning of the end for our nation. But the truth is our country has always been very divided and our politics always very contentious.
We can go all the way back to our nation’s infancy, to the election of 1800, between two of our founding fathers, Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson and Federalist John Adams. About the worst thing you could call someone then was a monarchist, with the U.S having just won its independence from the British crown. And that’s what Jefferson’s supporters called Adams, which was akin to calling someone a communist today.
Meanwhile, Adams supporters called Jefferson an atheist. A blatant lie meant to portray Jefferson as immoral, but there were no “fact checkers” back then. Jefferson won that election with 73 electoral votes to Adams 54 and 60.6% of the vote to Adams 39.4%.
Fast forward a little over 200 years and we have seen numerous campaigns that were nasty and filled with name calling and dirty tricks. And many of those elections were very close and bitterly divided.
But there is a difference in today’s politics. The political has become very personal, with many people and politicians attacking not just the opposition candidate, but all the followers of that candidate and party. And far too many people describe their feelings for the other side as hate. That’s a pretty strong emotion to have for someone you don’t know and doesn’t know you.
What we really hate is that person’s success in pushing an agenda we strongly disagree with. Nobody demonstrates this more than Trump. Every Republican has taken nasty slings and arrows from the opposition, but Trump stepped into an arena he wasn’t supposed to win in, and showed incredible success both against the other party, but also coalescing the very large number of disaffected party faithful in his own party who for years have been complaining about the legislative effectiveness of the Republican leadership.
We have all heard Joe Biden and Kamala Harris refer to Republicans as “MAGA extremists.” And just the other day Kathy Hochul said that anyone in New York who votes for Republicans, any Republicans – which is just about every Republican – is “voting for someone who supports Donald Trump and you’re anti-women, you’re anti-abortion, and basically, you’re anti-American.”
This is no way to bring the country together. Of course this isn’t new. In 2014, Andrew Cuomo said during his re-election that Republicans with conservative views “have no place in the state of New York.”
What’s interesting is that Trump has actually been one of the most moderate Republicans to become a major leader in the party. As the Democrats seem to be aligning more and more with the most radical elements of their party, Trump actually had the Republican Platform modified to be more moderate on both abortion and same sex marriage, two of the most hot-button social issues the nation has been grappling with for decades.
And MAGA is really just an extension of the Reagan Revolution. Even the slogan was used by Reagan, who had “Let’s Make America Great Again” as a main campaign theme.
So, where do we go from here? Can we cool off the rhetoric, which comes from both sides, and find ways to have some respect for the people trying to lead us forward but who we disagree with? And find some way to work together, and find common ground upon which we can deliver for the people of our city, state, and country? That, really is the big question we need to decide after this election, and will determine our political future in the months and years to come.
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.
Queens Chamber Buildings Awards Winners Honored
On Thursday, October 10th, hundreds gathered at the iconic TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport for the Annual Queens Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Building Awards Gala.
Since its inception in 1926, the annual event has honored iconic projects that have enhance the architectural and economic vitality of Queens, ensuring the borough remains vibrant, sustainable, and livable. This year’s 98th anniversary recognized 14 outstanding projects from across Queens, showcasing their contributions to the community’s growth and development.
“Queens continues to grow and thrive because of the extraordinary efforts of our real estate, architecture, and construction communities,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s Building Awards Gala is not just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the hard work of those shaping the future of our borough. We were proud to honor these professionals and are deeply grateful for their commitment to Queens.”
The evening’s keynote speaker, Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, emphasized the borough’s role in the city’s transformation. “Queens is at the forefront of some of the most important projects driving New York City’s future. From reimagined airports to new housing initiatives, the borough’s development is a testament to the visionaries behind these transformative efforts. The New York Building Congress proudly celebrated the people and projects making Queens a hub of opportunity,” said Scissura.
“It is so great to be able to celebrate the best and brightest of our borough’s building industry during this year’s Building Awards Gala,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “We’re in the midst of a generational housing crisis where the only way out is to build, and we’re doing exactly that thanks to the hard work of our builders. They are leading the way toward a better Queens.”
“Congratulations to all the honorees at the 2024 Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards Gala,” said New York State Assembly Member Catalina Cruz. “The Chamber has been an essential partner to our office, especially in championing immigrant-owned businesses.”
“Queens continues to be transformed by the remarkable projects recognized at this year’s Building Awards Gala,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “The dedication of our architects, builders, and designers is evident in every structure honored, reflecting a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth. These projects are shaping not just the physical landscape, but the future of our borough.”
This year’s awards were divided into four categories, with each honored project represented by the architects and builders behind them. New Construction was the largest category, with eight diverse projects recognized. In the Residential (Multi-Family) subcategory, the Locust Manor Development received recognition alongside Nova. In the Health Care Related Facilities subcategory, the Joseph F. Collins Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Center was acknowledged Educational excellence was honored in the Schools & Colleges subcategory with the award going to PS32 The State School Addition. Meanwhile, within the Mixed Use subcategory, The Monarch took the top spot. In the Commercial subcategory, Wildflower Studios was recognized for its groundbreaking architectural vision. Lastly, the transformation of LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C received accolades in the Public Buildings subcategory for its role in modernizing one of New York’s major transportation hubs.
In the Sustainable Building category, two projects were highlighted for their eco-friendly designs. The Alley Pond Environmental Center, designed by Leroy Street Studio and built by T. Moriarty & Son, Inc., won for the Public Buildings subcategory. The 88, designed by Ismael Leyva Architects with Monadnock Construction, Inc., took top place in the Residential (Multi-Family) subcategory.
The Public Work Infrastructure & Civil Projects category featured a single standout winner: The Atrium Business & Conference Center at LaGuardia Airport, built by Holt Construction, which was praised for its contribution to the airport’s modernization.
Three projects were celebrated in the Rehabilitation, Adaptive Use, Alteration, or Addition
category for their revitalization of existing structures. These included the Queensborough Community College Performing Arts Center (QPAC), the Rego Park Office Tower, and Alphapointe Queens.
Will NY Determine Who Controls the House?
By Robert Hornak
The 2024 election is almost over. I’m sure many people would say mercifully so. While a victory by former President Trump is looking increasingly likely the talk has begun to turn toward who will control Congress.
Republican control of the Senate looks like a near certainty. Of the 11 seats up for election held by Republicans, including two open seats, only one Republican is in danger of losing – Deb Fischer of Nebraska. She’s only up by one point in the polls, but Trump is ahead in Nebraska by 16 points. It’s very likely his strong performance will pull her across the finish line. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to defend 23 seats, including 7 open seats. Of those, West Virginia’s open seat is considered an easy win for Republicans, putting the Senate at 50-50. In Montana, another state Trump will do well in, Democrat Jon Tester is down in the polls.
The respected Cook Political Report has rated the races in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania as toss ups. And the seats in Arizona and Nevada are only very narrow leads for the Democrats. If Republicans run the table and see upset wins in the surprisingly close race in Maryland and flip Virginia, they would be at 59 seats.
So, what are the chances that Republican can win the trifecta on Tuesday?
Pretty good, no matter what happens in New York. Cook rates 25 House races as toss ups, 11 Democrats and 14 Republicans. These swing districts will have less to do with which presidential candidate wins their state than with the local dynamics. Excitement over the candidate at the top of the ballot can influence the results down ballot, depending on the strength of their coattails. Strong candidates for president have big coattails, sweeping many candidates from their party into office. One rare exception was 2020, where Democrats actually lost 11 House seats, setting up the 2022 election where Republicans were able to take back control of the House by gaining 9 seats that November.
In addition to the toss up races, Cook rates 11 blue seats as leaning Democrat, or somewhat competitive. Meanwhile, there are only 6 Republican seats that are leaning Republican, with one incumbent’s race rated as leaning Democrat. They also rate 16 Democrat seats and 10 Republican seats as likely wins for their respective party. Every other race they rate as solid, or not even remotely competitive. In all that’s 38 Democrat seats and 31 Republican seats that could be in play. This is where the action is going to be on election night, and we are likely to see a number of surprises. There are always incumbents that you thought were a goner, but manage to hang on, and a couple that you were sure to be re-elected that end up defeated. Some of this will depend on the strength of presidential coattails in these districts, with turnout certain to be affected by the enthusiasm each candidate has generated. And on the enthusiasm meter, Trump seems to have the advantage.
But ultimately it will depend on the strength of the individual candidates and the races they run. So regardless of whether Republicans hold their seats in New York or wind up losing two or three, the chances that Republicans overall will pick up a number of seats around the country are very good and we are likely to see a significantly larger Republican conference in the House next year.
Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com.