Courtesy Green Co-op Council

A new bill, Intro 654, proposed to the NYC Council aims to enable green improvements in over 1,000 co-ops by providing tax breaks for necessary upgrades, benefiting more than 166,000 families and supporting compliance with Local Law 97.

A new bill proposed to the New York City Council could pave the way for green improvements to over 1,000 co-ops throughout the city. Intro 654, spearheaded by City Council Housing Chair Pierina Sanchez and Councilmember Lynn Schulman, aims to fortify city housing against climate change while enhancing comfort for residents.

The legislation builds on the “Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program” passed by New York State in 2023, but it requires City Council approval to take effect in New York City. If enacted, the program would provide significant tax breaks to eligible co-op and condo owners, facilitating vital upgrades in line with Local Law 97, which mandates substantial reductions in building emissions.

“Today, we stand strong in support of Intro 654, a forward-thinking bill that supports affordable housing and fights climate change. This legislation will allow certain buildings to receive crucial property tax abatements, helping them comply with Local Law 97,” said NYC City Council Member Shaun Abreu. “This is a significant opportunity for many buildings in our district that need assistance in meeting these important environmental standards. Together, we can create a sustainable future, ensuring cleaner air and healthier homes for all our community members.”

With over 166,000 families poised to benefit, the initiative is seen as a crucial step toward improving housing affordability in a city grappling with rising costs. Advocates believe the bill will not only upgrade housing but also ease financial burdens for low- and middle-income residents.

“My neighbors and I want to make improvements and comply with Local Law 97 for the long-term sustainability and health of our building. The assistance Intro 654 would provide would make a BIG difference for those of us with limited incomes – we’d save more than $50,000 a year! I urge the City Council to pass this bill,” said Elaine O’Brien, co-op shareholder in Queens.

Eligible buildings under the proposed program would include those with an average assessed value under $45,000 per unit, those in the Mitchell-Lama program, and mutual housing companies. Work must be completed between June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2026. Data from the Mayor’s Office indicates at least 1,318 co-ops and condos would qualify for tax relief, with 83% needing upgrades by 2030.

“As NYC faces the intersecting crises of rising housing unaffordability, evictions and homelessness, with low and middle-income New Yorkers leaving the city in record numbers, the preservation and upgrading of the housing we do have is of paramount importance. That is why I am proud to have introduced Int. 654, reauthorizing the J51 tax incentive, which could save more than 166,000 families in co-ops across the city thousands of dollars each year, while enabling buildings across the city to comply with the ambitious and necessary climate goals of Local Law 97. Local Law 97 is the nation’s most aggressive municipal climate law, targeting emissions reduction that can make our communities easier to live and breathe in. With Int. 654, we can upgrade our housing, put money back into the pockets of everyday New Yorkers, and green our city. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting and passing this critical legislation” said NYC Council Housing and Buildings Chair Pierina Sánchez.

Key boroughs expected to benefit include Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, with the largest concentrations of eligible buildings located in neighborhoods like Forest Hills and Riverdale.

Sample savings from the tax abatement could significantly alleviate the financial burden of compliance for co-ops. For instance, an 83-unit co-op in Jackson Heights could see property tax reductions of over $53,000 annually, facilitating essential energy efficiency upgrades.

The Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums (CNYC Inc.) has supported the climate goals of Local Law 97 (LL97) since its inception. Improving the energy efficiency and resiliency of New York City’s housing, reducing New York’s reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting carbon emissions are critical collective goals, necessary not only for improving the quality of life of future generations but also to ensure existing housing can withstand further flash floods, wind-driven rain, and multiple days of high temperatures. But many cooperative and condominium homeowners are already under financial pressure from the ongoing increases in their housing expenses, and they need help paying for their building upgrades. CNYC welcomes and supports Intro 0654, as an urgently needed first step,” said Rebecca Poole, Director of Membership, CNYC Inc.

To maximize the effectiveness of this program, advocates are urging the City Council to expedite the legislation, streamline application processes, and explore upfront financing options for co-ops struggling with initial costs. The Green Co-op Council emphasizes the need for swift action to support these crucial upgrades and meet the city’s climate goals.

Courtesy Crime Stoppers

Christian Inga, a 25-year-old from Corona, has been indicted on serious charges, following an alleged attack on two 13-year-old girls in Kissena Corridor Park on June 13.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In an update to a disturbing case that has shaken the city earlier this year, Christian Inga, a 25-year-old resident of Corona, has been indicted on multiple serious charges, including predatory sexual assault, first-degree rape, and kidnapping, in connection with an assault on a 13-year-old girl and her friend at Kissena Corridor Park in Flushing. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment on emphasizing the gravity of the alleged crimes.

The harrowing incident occurred on June 13, when Inga approached the two girls, who were enjoying a sunny afternoon in the park after school. Armed with a machete-style knife, Inga reportedly threatened the children, coercing them into a nearby wooded area. There, he allegedly bound their wrists with a shoelace, gagged both victims with cloth, and sexually assaulted the girl while the boy was also restrained.

“This was a daytime nightmare for two children who were simply enjoying a day in the park after school,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “The defendant is accused of raping the girl after threatening the youngsters with a knife, forcing them into a wooded area, tying them together and gagging them. These children gave a detailed description of their alleged attacker and thanks to community members and the NYPD, Christian Inga was arrested after an intensive manhunt. The defendant is now charged with predatory sexual assault – one of the highest charges available in New York state – and will face justice in our courts.”

Inga is facing a total of 16 charges, which include three counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of kidnapping in the second degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree, and several counts of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.

Following the attack, the NYPD launched an intensive week-long manhunt for Inga, during which they released surveillance images to the public in hopes of identifying him. The cooperation of community members proved crucial, as several individuals recognized Inga from the images. He was ultimately apprehended early Tuesday morning at a single-room-occupancy dwelling in Corona, just three miles from the park. Upon his arrest, a physical altercation ensued, resulting in minor injuries to the suspect, who was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being remanded into police custody.

Inga was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, where he was formally charged. The judge continued his remand and scheduled his next court appearance for November 12. The prosecution is being led by Assistant District Attorney Kasey Esposito, who is part of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of experienced attorneys specializing in cases involving vulnerable victims.

The investigation was conducted by the Queens Special Victims Squad, led by Detective George Allen, who emphasized the department’s dedication to handling such sensitive cases with the utmost care and urgency.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

By Nova M Bajamonti

The Anglo-Dutch Bowne House, which was built around 1661, has received the New York State Council on the Arts/ Greater Hudson Heritage Network’s grant to help conserve its historical textiles.

The Bowne House will be sharing the $65,000 textile assessment funding with ninety-three organizations that represent thirty-eight countries. 

The landmark is Queens’ oldest property, and has been awarded the grant for its eighteen pieces of textiles that underwent a one half-day profession assessment. 

South Salem’s Textile Conservation Workshop, Inc., which has been assessing textiles since 1978, oversaw the on-site testing of the museum’s textiles.

According to the Bowne House’s website, the vice-president of the museum’s board of trustees, Rosemary S. Vietor shared her response to the celebratory news, and stated: “Bowne House is grateful for NYSCA/GHHN funding enabling a part of our collection of rare American samplers to be assessed professionally for future conservation. 

“The museum staff professionally caretakes an extraordinary collection of textiles, furniture, fine and decorative arts, and English and American ceramics owned, and used by members of the Bowne family, for more than three hundred years. 

“NYSCA/GHHN funding is critical to the maintenance of this large and important collection.”

Screenshot

The Bowne House’s collection volunteer Ellen Spindler, who wrote the grant application, has shared the process of conserving the museum’s textiles and the house itself, with the Queens Ledger and explained: “The Bowne House Historical Society owns the museum’s collections, including textiles and archives, and operates the museum, while the City owns and maintains the actual house and land. 

“Textiles are conserved as funds [and] are available through grants and other fundraising efforts. 

“They are stored in specialty boxes with acid-free tissue or Tyvek, in accordance with the conservator’s recommendations. 

“We have long hoped for a visitor’s center where we can both store and display our textiles under ideal conditions.”

Ellen explained the important story behind some of the museum’s textiles and shared: “All of our textiles are significant. For example, we have several samplers sewn by former Bowne House residents like Eliza Bowne and Mary B. Parsons. 

“These include eighteenth and nineteenth century samplers crafted at some of the earliest young ladies’ academies, and co-ed boarding houses after the Revolutionary War, like the Nine Partners’ Quaker boarding school in upstate New York. 

“Some of the samplers have texts taken from poems, or other moral or literary references, which show the style of learning utilized to teach young girls literacy. There is clothing in the collection also associated with former Bowne and Parsons’ residents.”

Screenshot

This isn’t the first grant that the museum has been awarded. The property has also received the financial award to help maintain its 1909 painting created by Edwin B. Child, that featured Mrs. Robert Bowne Parsons, as well as a grant to help maintain a 19th century black doll. 

The grant program provides three application options for organizations seeking financial assistance.

Organizations can annually apply for all three opportunities, which include the conservation treatment (maximum award is up to $7,500), preservation supplies (maximum award is up to $650), and site assessment (maximum award is up to $1,000).

The conservation treatment focuses on helping preserve historical items. 

The preservation supplies award provides economical help for organizations interested in purchasing supplies to maintain its collections. 

The site assessment grant includes step-by-step guidance alongside a collections consultant to figure out how a museum can alter its storage to best maintain its precious items. 

The Bowne House has been standing tall for more than 300 years, and has been occupied by many generations of the same family, starting with John Bowne, who built it in 1661.

Many of the family members were heavily involved in activism in support of abolition, and the property is the only house in all of Queens that participated in the National Underground Railroad’s Network to Freedom.

Ellen explained: “This research started with the discovery of a letter in the archives dated September 28, 1850, from a known anti-slavery minister Simeon Jocelyn, appealing to a Bowne House resident William B. Parsons, to assist in harboring a freedom seeker. Further research discovered other letters, obituaries, and supporting documentation.”

Ellen shared that many of the visitors who take a tour of the museum, “are often surprised to learn how Quakers were in the vanguard of the anti-slavery movement in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the extent of Underground Railroad activities documented so far, as having occurred in Flushing and Long Island.”

She added: “Many [visitors] may also not be aware of the family’s participation in the Free School movement, including efforts made by Bowne, and Parsons women to educate indigent young girls, and black youth, by helping to form the Flushing Female Association, and New York Female Association – both using samplers, in part, as a fundraising tool, to operate their schools.”

The Bowne House offers guided tours, educational programs and many events, which can be viewed on its website. 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Dry Harbor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center held its annual Fall Festival & Health Fair on Sept 29, drawing attendees of all ages for a day of wellness, fun, and community bonding. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center’s location on 6135 Dry Harbor Rd. 

Designed to promote health and wellness, the fair featured activities such as blood pressure screenings, diabetes management tips, and exercise and fitness education. Experts were also on hand to discuss financial and long-term planning, as well as understanding insurance coverage. In addition to health services, attendees enjoyed games, snacks, and opportunities to engage with local community figures, including representatives from the NYPD and FDNY, who provided emergency preparedness tips. 

With a strong family-friendly atmosphere, the event was a resounding success, fostering a sense of community while emphasizing the importance of staying active and informed as the cooler weather approaches.

A view of Newtown Creek, which has been a Superfund site since 2010, from the Pulaski Bridge. Photo by Jack Delaney.

By Jack Delaney

On Sept 30, community leaders raised a flurry of questions about the EPA’s proposal for cleaning up the East Branch of Newtown Creek.

Members of the Community Board No. 1 Environmental Protection Committee met at Swinging Sixties Senior Center in North Williamsburg on September 30 to draft a comment to submit to the EPA as part of the plan’s public review period, which was recently extended. While the committee was enthusiastic that work might begin as soon as next year, those present voiced two main concerns: frustration over a lack of details around technical aspects of the proposal, and a desire for more community input going forward.  

Efforts to clean the 3.8-mile Newtown Creek are relatively recent, given its long history of pollution. It was a hotspot for heavy industry during the 19th century, housing over 50 factories and processing plants along its banks. In 1856, the city began dumping raw sewage into the estuary, and contamination worsened as commercial boat traffic steadily increased, reaching a fever pitch with World War II. 

The waterway was named a Superfund site in 2010, and plans for remediation began in 2011. The Record of Decision, which is the final stage before full-scale work on the creek can proceed, was originally due to be completed by 2023, but was later pushed to 2028.

The proposal up for debate on Monday was an early action plan for the East Branch, one of Newtown Creek’s five tributaries. While limited in scope, members of the Environmental Protection Committee praised the concept of beginning now, rather than waiting for a plan encompassing the entire creek.

“That part is kind of exciting,” said board member Katie D. Horowitz. “That there could actually be something started in 6 months to clean up.” Board chair Stephen Chesler agreed. “This could act as a study for treating the rest of the creek. That’s one of the key things here.”

Brooklyn Community Board 1 members Eric M. Bruzaitis, left, and Stephen Chesler spar over the finer points of the EPA’s Early Action cleanup plan for the East Branch of Newtown Creek. Photo by Jack Delaney.

The East Branch proposal outlines several possible approaches, ranging from no action to a $500 million, 7-year plan to dredge the entire tributary. The EPA’s preferred alternative is a compromise of dredging deep enough to place a cap over the sediment, a $250 million, 3-year improvement. But at Swinging Sixties, the consensus was that the EPA’s presentation of this option at a public meeting on September 18 had left much to be desired.

“You walked out of the meeting, and you don’t really know what’s going to happen,” said non-board committee member Christine Holowacz.

In drafting a public comment, the EPC board honed in on several specifications they believed had been omitted. “By now, [the EPA] should be able to at least discuss the composition of the cap,” member Laura Hofmann remarked. For his part, Chesler wanted to know more about why the proposed bulkheads were only temporary. “This description is a red flag for me,” he said, pointing to a bullet point on the projector screen. “I asked this at the [September 18] meeting — what’s the permanent solution, then?” 

Yet another debate erupted over the plan’s decision to add six inches of biota, a layer of living organisms reintroduced after dredging, rather than the state standard of two feet. Zooming out, Horowitz called for a clearer sense of how the EPA will monitor results after implementation.

The three members also on the Newtown Creek Community Advisory Group (CAG) — Chesler, Holowacz, and Hofmann — were just as focused on the issue of navigability. If the East Branch were designated for commercial use by boats, the plan would need deeper dredging, and discussions about replacing nearby structures such as the aging Grand St. Bridge would have to accommodate this status. 

Chesler worried about what he saw as a disconnect between governmental agencies involved in the cleanup. The Army Corps of Engineers released a report in January 2024 designating the East Branch as non-navigable, he noted, but the city was continuing with discussions of a movable bridge, under the assumption that it would be navigable. Was the EPA taking this into account? “We should wait for the bridge design,” he said, “because that would change the game.”

“If you have to dredge navigable water,” seconded Hofmann, “forget it.” 

Amidst all the minutiae, the main point everyone on the committee agreed upon was that active dialogue with the public should continue. “We just need to make sure that this is a robust plan that will give us what we need,” said Holowacz.

The EPA will accept written comments on the Proposed Plan during the public comment period, which now ends on October 28. Written comments should be addressed to Caroline Kwan, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor New York, NY 10007.

Courtesy YMCA

The YMCA of Greater New York has secured a $500,000 grant from the Citi Foundation to tackle homelessness in Queens by offering financial coaching and job training for vulnerable populations.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Citi Foundation as part of its 2024 Global Innovation Challenge, aimed at enhancing efforts to address homelessness in the Queens community. This funding comes at a critical juncture as homelessness continues to rise in the United States, particularly affecting vulnerable populations, including young people in New York City.

“A myriad of factors have led to the persistence of homelessness in communities around the world, including in the U.S., where the lack of affordable housing means that too many individuals and families go to sleep each night without a safe and stable home,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “Each grantee selected to join this ambitious cohort of innovators recognizes the need for bold and locally tailored solutions that will equip our neighbors with the resources they need to secure affordable, reliable housing for both the near and long term.”

Cedric Dew, Vice President of Transitional Housing at the Jamaica YMCA, expressed enthusiasm for the funding, noting that the YMCA successfully articulated a compelling case to secure one of only nine global grants. 

“We were one of nine recipients to receive the grant,” Dew said. “We were able to articulate a really strong case for this opportunity to provide these services to our community. Housing is the most important thing, and we know that without solid income and a foundation of economics, folks struggle to always sustain housing.”

Courtesy YMCA

This initiative aims to support 750 individuals and restore dignity through community engagement and partnerships.

The grant will enable the YMCA to offer a range of essential services tailored to individuals experiencing homelessness. These services include financial coaching, job training, employment opportunities, and stipends, with particular emphasis on meeting the diverse needs of the Spanish-speaking community and those affected by HIV/AIDS. This comprehensive approach aims to empower clients and equip them with the skills necessary to regain stability in their lives.

The urgency of these resources is underscored by alarming statistics from the New York City Department of Homeless Services. Between January and July of 2024, over 1,100 young people were denied shelter, often resulting in their return to the streets. Dew highlighted the importance of proactive engagement with young adults—ages 18 and older—who are particularly vulnerable.

“One of the things that this program will do is it will restore dignity,” Dew said. “When you empower people with knowledge and information, they start to feel empowered. We see this as a great opportunity to reinforce the work we currently do by assisting people with housing while at the same time giving people the tools they need in order to move into current housing.”

Through the funding, the YMCA aims to serve approximately 750 individuals, focusing heavily on financial literacy as a cornerstone of its initiative. 

“Every time we don’t assist young adults, we run the risk of people becoming homeless,” Dew said. “We help them make smart decisions about credit cards. We help them understand what student loans mean. Most of these folks have experienced some version of trauma, and the trauma has to be dealt with.”

The initiative not only seeks to provide immediate relief but also aims to foster long-term stability for participants.

In addition to financial education, Dew emphasized the YMCA’s holistic approach, which includes addressing the emotional and social needs of clients who have often faced significant trauma. 

Dew shared that many of the individuals seeking help at the YMCA come from diverse backgrounds, including women fleeing domestic violence, veterans re-entering civilian life, senior citizens, and young people aging out of foster care. Each of these groups brings unique challenges, and the YMCA is committed to providing tailored support.

To measure success, the program will focus on “rehousing” clients and tracking their progress as they transition into stable living situations. Dew described a hopeful mantra at the YMCA: 

“When we see people walk out our door, we know we’ve done our job,” Dew said. “We see this in the long game, to continue providing these services to people in the community who need these services.”

The long-term vision for the YMCA’s transitional housing program is one of sustainability and growth. Dew stated, “We see this as not just a two-year initiative but a sustained effort to provide ongoing services to the community.” He believes that demonstrating successful outcomes and sharing the stories of individuals who benefit from the program will be essential in attracting further funding and support.

Partnerships play a pivotal role in the initiative’s potential success. Dew highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that the YMCA works closely with numerous local agencies and organizations to reach those in need.

“This initiative wouldn’t be possible if not for our ability to exhibit the high levels of partnerships that we have,” Dew said. 

Dew also mentioned the role of education in the program, particularly through partnerships with local colleges and vocational training organizations.

“We help them make smart decisions about credit cards, we help them understand what student loans mean,” Dew said. 

As the YMCA prepares to roll out this program in the coming months, Dew remains optimistic about its potential impact. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring added dimension to transitional housing in Jamaica Queens,” Dew said. 

The YMCA of Greater New York stands poised to make a significant impact in the fight against homelessness, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions through collaboration, community engagement, and a commitment to dignity and respect for all individuals. As the program takes shape, it represents a beacon of hope for those struggling with homelessness in Queens, fostering a path toward stability and self-sufficiency.