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Construction underway at Flushing-Main Street Station

Dan on July 13, 2022

One of the most overcrowded subway stations in the borough is getting a $61 million facelift, which the MTA says will improve the passenger experience.

Work is currently underway on eight new staircases at the Flushing-Main Street Station which aims to address congestion on the 7 train platforms and at street levels during peak travel hours.

“Flushing-Main-St Station is one of the top ten busiest stations in our entire subway system, and it is time its infrastructure supported that reality,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said in a press release. “Soon our passengers will be able to travel through this station more easily and comfortably.”

The project includes four new street-to-mezzanine stairs, in addition to four new mezzanine-to-platform stairs.

The new street-to-mezzanine stairs will be installed on the north and south corners of Main Street and to the west of Main Street along both the north and south sides of Roosevelt Avenue.

Four existing street stairs will also be rehabilitated for ADA compliance and four existing platform stairs will be reoriented.

The project will also expand the mezzanine and install two new fare control areas with six new turnstiles that will be constructed. Existing CCTV cameras and signage will also be upgraded and improved.

Councilwoman Sandra Ung said that now that Con Edison has finished relocating the existing utilities, the cost of which was included in the estimated $61 million expense, contractors are ready to start the work to improve pedestrian flow and reduce congestion in earnest.

“This is a big project for Flushing, and my office will keep you updated on the work hours and progress, but if you are a regular user of the Main Street station, be advised there could be some disruptions to your daily commute for the foreseeable future,” Ung said in a newsletter. “But in the end, hopefully, we will have smooth-flowing entrances to the busy station.”

Construction will only occur within the station during off-peak hours between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, the contractor is permitted to work during off-peak hours during the day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and in the evening (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.). Additionally, the contractor is permitted to work during the day on weekends.

In the meantime, Q48 and Q50 bus stops will be temporarily relocated to the intersection of Main Street and 39th Avenue in front of the GNC until approximately March 1, 2023.

“These improvements will greatly enhance the customer experience traveling in one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said in a statement. “These eight new staircases will alleviate overcrowding on the platform and street level and ensure passengers can better move through the station.”

A substantial portion of the project is expected to be completed by October 2023.

Full access to a minimum of four street-level stairwells will be maintained in the mezzanine areas during the construction. Access to the four stairs that serve the northbound and southbound platforms from mezzanine areas will also be maintained at all times.

MTA indicated that it is working closely with City agencies and local stakeholders to mitigate impacts on the local community. Signs reminding pedestrians that businesses remain open will be posted.

Members of the public wishing to express concerns and raise issues will be able to contact at 24/7 construction hotline, 844-508-2636 for the duration of the project.

Queens man convicted over death of NYPD Detective

Dan on July 13, 2022

Sentenced to 30 years to life in jail for 2019 botched robbery

New York City Police Department Detective Brian Simonsen’s killer was sentenced to 30 years to life on Thursday, July 7, three years after a shootout took place during a robbery at a T-Mobile phone store in Richmond Hill that took his life.

According to court records, the incident occured on Feb. 12, 2019, when two men entered the store on 120th Street brandishing a pistol. Police officers arrived on the scene after the two men ordered the two employees inside the establishment to surrender cash and merchandise from the back room of the shop.

One of the suspects was still inside when they arrived and pointed his gun, which appeared to be real, at the officers who discharged their weapons in response. Simonsen, 42, was fatally shot in the chest, while a second officer, Sgt. Matthew Gorman was seriously injured with a bullet wound to his leg.

Three years after the incident, Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder found the suspect Jagger Freeman, 28, of Jamaica, guilty for second degree murder, multiple counts of robbery, grand larceny, and assault.

“The jury found the defendant guilty of murder and he will now serve a lengthytime in prison as punishment for his criminal actions,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a press release on July 7. “We continue to express our condolences to Detective Simonsen’s family and fellow service members.”

The sentencing, which includes the conviction of a previous robbery Freeman participated in at a separate cell phone store, comes after the conviction of Freeman’s co-defendant Christopher Ransom, 30, in October 2021. He is currently serving 33 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.

NYPD addresses ‘Ghost Car’ epidemic

Dan on July 13, 2022

The New York Police Department, in an effort led by Mayor Eric Adams, is cracking down on vehicles with illegal, fake, paper plates.

These so-called “ghost cars” — vehicles with counterfeit and illegal counterfeit license plates — have been linked to vehicular assault, robberies, and numerous other crimes.

This announcement followed a recent fatal crash in Bedford Stuyvesant, which killed 67-year-old Lynn Christopher and injured four others, on June 26. Only one among numerous dangerous incidents connected to these illegal vehicles, these deaths have led to emotional responses from numerous elected officials.

“Five people were struck that day, an eight-year-old boy still fighting for his life,” Adams said in a press conference on Tuesday, July 5. “It was one of the worst forms of lawlessness and cowardness, what we witnessed on that day, and that is why we are sending a very clear and loud message on pursuing this battle that we are in.”

Ghost cars are decreasing the quality of life for law-abiding New Yorkers by taking street parking spots, avoiding tolls, and being linked to violent crime.

“Ghost cars often park illegally causing the quality of life concerns that hinder the flow of traffic, block driveways, fire hydrants, and even handicapped ramps,” said Kim Royster, chief of the NYPD’s Transportation Bureau. “And certainly it’s not hard to believe that masking the identity of a vehicle in this way is an enticing idea for someone who might want to be planning a terrorist act.”

The term ghost car borrows itself from that of “ghost gun,” unserialized and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home.

“Ghost guns can’t be traced, ghost vehicles can’t be traced. And we know if we don’t get them off the streets, just like ghost guns, they become a weapon of death for our innocent New Yorkers,” Adams said.

While paper plates are not a new issue in New York City, they have become a focus of the NYPD. This year 16,448 tickets have been issued to drivers for using illegal or obstructed license plates as of Sunday, July 3, 2022. Officers are now being encouraged to be more aggressive when they see any suspicious license plate or paper plate.

The city Sheriff’s Department seized 54 cars with fake license plates in upper Manhattan on Monday, July 11 — a move that Adams and Sheriff Anthony Miranda say is simply the start.

“We will follow the mandates of Mayor Adams and deputy mayor [Phil] Banks to work collaboratively with other agencies to keep our communities safe,” Miranda said in a statement.

NYPD Detective memorialized with overpass renaming

Dan on July 13, 2022

Governor Hochul has signed legislation to rename the Long Island Expressway overpass located at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as the “Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge.”

By passing this legislation, the Department of Transportation can proceed with the design and installation of signage.

“This new law and signage will help memorialize Detective Tsakos and his heroism by renaming the Francis Lewis Boulevard LIE overpass in his honor,” State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic said. “I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this legislation expeditiously and getting this done.”

Rozic and State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky joined his wife, Irene Tsakos, members of the NYPD, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch, and members of the local community, earlier this year, to memorialize the one year anniversary of the death of Detective Tsakos, who was killed in the line of duty.

“The designation of the ‘Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge’ will help keep the memory of Detective Tsakos alive while serving as a reminder of his tragic death in the line of duty,” Stavisky said in a statement. “Detective Tsakos served our city with distinction for more than a decade before his untimely passing. He was a loving son, husband and father who is survived by his wife and two children. I am honored to have sponsored this bill to rename this overpass as a small gesture of gratitude for his sacrifice.”

Tsakos was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver on April 21, 2021. He was responding to a collision on the LIE and was helping direct traffic at the time. The driver fled the scene, but was later apprehended and charged by a Queens grand jury on a 13-count indictment which included aggravated and vehicular manslaughter.

A resident of East Northport, Long Island, he served 13 years with the NYPD as a highway officer with Highway Unit 3. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective. He is survived by his wife, Irene, and their two children.

Over the past few months, several gatherings have occurred to honor the late Detective Tsakos including a plaque and motorcycle sidecar dedication and renaming of the wellness center and gym at Highway Unit 3.

“The heartbreaking loss of Detective Anastasios Tsakos has left a void in our hearts that neither words nor time can ever fill. However, we have an obligation to honor his memory and legacy,” Kim Royster, NYPD chief of transportation, said in a statement. “We must ensure future generations forever recognize the immense sacrifice Detective Tsakos made for the City he served. The renaming of the Long Island Expressway overpass where Detective Tsakos was killed, is one way we fulfill our promise that we make to all members of the NYPD the moment they step foot inside the halls of the police academy; a promise that we will never forget those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Pol Position: What does a socialist look like anyway?

Dan on July 13, 2022

Last week, dozens of people overheard a verbal exchange be- tween a staffer from City Council- man Bob Holden’s office and a State Senate candidate at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village.

Japneet Singh, the Democratic candidate running against Senator Joe Addabbo in a primary in the neighborhoods of Middle Village, Maspeth, Glendale, Forest Hills, Woodhaven, Ozone Park & Rich- mond Hill, was at an ‘80s night performance in the park talking to concert-goers and apparently giv- ing out campaign literature.

After all, when there is a crowd in one place it’s a good place to maybe pick up some votes, right?

The staffer began the kerfuffle, claiming that the concert was a private event in the park and cam- paigning should be done outside the park.

Singh told her that he was just socializing with friends, but she

was insistent and apparently stayed right on his tail.

Singh remained in place, and said, “We’re in the park—at an event funded by taxpayer dollars.”

As Singh and his campaign man- ager, Julien Segura, walked away, they heard a man yell, “Don’t vote for socialists.”

Singh says he attempted to talk to the man and was interrupted again. “Don’t get him started. Don’t talk to him. You don’t get to talk to him.”

The staffer pointed up and down at Singh… “This is what a socialist looks like.”

I guess we were mistaken. And all this time we thought all social- ists had three eyes in their heads.

Singh and Segura continued talking to folks in the park after- ward.

Yikes… That’s politics. Makes you think about running for office, huh?

Celebrating the 4th of July in Astoria

Dan on July 13, 2022

Locals gathered by the waterside at Astoria Park on June 29, for the annual Independence Day fireworks display. Sponsored by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition, the event kicked off the 4th of July holiday weekend with a bang.

(Photos By Walter Karling)

Fireworks display in the East River by the Hell Gate Bridge.

Friends from the neighborhood enjoyed a picnic before the fireworks.

They had a great time: Anche Lee and Tommy Onolfo.

Enjoying the patriotic evening: Zina Benkyane, Hana Hamisa, and her brother Yassine Hamisa.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards greets attendees.

The Swingtime Big Band provided musical entertainment.

Organizers and local politicians: George Stamatiades, president of the CALDC; NYC Councilwoman Tiffany Caban; NYS Senator Michael Gianaris; Tony Barsamian, executive vice-president of the CALDC; and Marie Torniali, executive director of the CALDC.

Can you Help this Pup & His Owner??

Dan on July 12, 2022

BAGOO NEEDS A HOME!
This very handsome 7.5 year old, 56 lb Pittie Mix needs a forever home! Due to health issues, Bagoo’s older owner is no longer able to care for him. He relies on volunteers everyday to help get this boy out for a walk and socialization. Looking for an experienced home where Bagoo can be given lots of attention and all the play & exercise he deserves! Fenced in yard would be ideal, but most importantly a loving home! Will you open up your heart to this super sweet, friendly, energetic, happy-go-lucky boy and spoil him rotten? Gets along with all people, loves to greet/play with dogs on his walks, not aggressive, loves walks/exercise, car rides, treats and is very loyal and loving with a calm demeanor. Recently vetted and up-to-date on shots. Come meet him, walk him and fall in love. Let’s find a home for Bagoo so his owner will have peace of mind. Please call or text for any information 917-609-7810.

EDWARD J. TERRIBERRY

Dan on July 12, 2022

Edward J. Terriberry passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the age of 74. Beloved Husband of Jennifer Terriberry. Loving Father of Judith Slepetz, Edward Terriberry and Michael Terriberry, and Father-in-Law of Scott, Tracy and Nasstaja. Cherished Grandfather of Jenn, Ian, Jack, Julia, Edward and Sean. Dear Brother of Loretta Kenefick, Arlene Manning and the late John Terriberry and Virginia Terriberry. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Terriberry as a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam Era and was a longtime sanitation worker with the DSNY for over 30 years. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Wounded Warrior Project. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (NYC) on Saturday, July 9, 2022 10 AM. Private Cremation followed at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village NY under the direction Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

DIANA AURIANA

Dan on July 12, 2022

Diane Auriana passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at the age of 53. Beloved Wife of Dominic Auriana.  Loving Mother of Ryan Auriana, Dominic (Maria) Auriana and Alyssa Auriana. Cherished Daughter of Dennis and MaryAnn Larkin. Dear Sister Of Michelle (Michael) Serrao. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Monday, July 11, 2022. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

JOHN “PEPPY” PETRIZZI

Dan on July 12, 2022

John “Peppy” Petrizzi passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022 at the age of 87. Beloved Husband of the late Vera Petrizzi. Loving Father of John J. Petrizzi and Father-in-Law of Laura. Cherished Grandfather of John and Nicole. Dear Brother of Emily Scara.  Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

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