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FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com AUGUST 6, 2015 • THE COURIER SUN 3 SEX OFFENDERS STILL AT SKYWAY: WILLS BY ANGELA MATUA amatua@queenscourier.com @AngelaMatua After promising last month to remove 52 registered sex offenders from Skyway Men’s Shelter in South Ozone Park, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) reportedly broke its promise and brought in four more sex offenders. According to City Councilman Ruben Wills, the agency told him that this transfer was already in the schedule as they were making plans to remove the previously housed sex offenders. “These sex offenders should have never been placed back into the shelter,” Wills said during a press conference on Aug. 3 outside the Skyway Shelter. “They admit that the swap out was not done intentionally. It was already in the system coming down and I have no other choice but to believe that.” Reportedly, the DHS also told Wills that the entire system put in place to judge sexual offender compliant sites will now be reviewed by the agency. Since 2011, Wills has been working with community members including staff at the nearby P.S./M.S. 124 to make sure that sex offenders in the shelter would be removed. He received confirmation from DHS on July 7 that they would swiftly be transferred out after the agency discovered that the site was no longer compliant. Parent Teacher Association President Eileen Lamanna said she was frustrated to find that more sex offenders were placed in Skyway Men’s Shelter but that she will not stop fighting until they are all removed. “I couldn’t believe it. I got the Councilman Ruben Wills announced on Aug. 4 that two sex offenders were transferred to Skyway Men’s Shelter after DHS promised to remove the previously housed 52 sex offenders at the shelter. phone call and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’” Lamanna said. “It’s just like you take two steps forward and you take one step back again. We’re going to keep on top of it and if they think we’re going away, we’re not.” Though Wills was told that the sex offenders would be transferred out quickly, the councilman said he understands that there should “never be a wholesale push to just warehouse sexual offenders in any community.” He will continue to monitor the agency and make sure that they comply with the timeline they set out for the full removal of the sex offenders, he said. In the meantime, if the sex offenders are not removed before the school year begins, Wills said he has full confidence in the 106th Precinct to monitor the area and keep students safe. “Our precinct has been incredible,” Wills said. “This is not their job. They work with the principal and the PTA president and the school community body as a whole to make sure that we THE COURIER/Photo by Angela Matua have patrols in the mornings during arrival and dismissal.” If the DHS does not remove the sex offenders in a timely fashion, Wills said he will file a lawsuit. “I can’t let the residents of my district fall under false promises or governing by rhetoric,” Wills said. “At the same time, I cannot allow people who have actually served their time but are under supervision be placed in jeopardy also.” The DHS did not immediately respond to The Courier’s request for comment. Cyclists trek 20 miles around Howard Beach and beyond for charity BY ANGELA MATUA amatua@queenscourier.com @AngelaMatua More than 200 people pedaled through two boroughs and across three bridges on Aug. 2 to raise money for two organizations working toward making an active difference in children’s lives. “The Loop,” a 20-mile bike ride hosted by NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children) Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), raised approximately $15,000 for the nonprofits and brought Howard Beach residents and community leaders together. The West Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Departments, the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club and about 100 resident volunteers gathered to make sure that cyclists had a smooth ride. Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, who was dressed in biker shorts and a jersey for his journey, initiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony before the ride. “It was an honor to join hundreds from throughout the community on a bike for the NYFAC-JDRF 20-mile Bike Loop,” Goldfeder said. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the great work NYFAC and JDRF have done to support children and their families. Riding the charity loop is a great way to support a wonderful cause while enjoying a nice summer day with friends and family.” Participants chose between a 20-mile bike ride along the Rockaway Peninsula, Belt Parkway and around Jamaica Bay or a 10-mile bike ride for less experienced riders. The first rider to make it back to NYFAC headquarters, Matt Long, made the 20-mile trip in 57 minutes. Cyclists were treated to a barbecue after the ride, which took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “We can’t wait until next year,” said AnnMarie Gurino, NYFAC Foundation board member and Loop committee chair. “The response – and the love – from the community were overwhelming.” Photo courtesy of Dominick Totino Photography NYFAC and JDRF hosted The Loop, a 20-mile bike ride meant to raise money for both organizations.


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