Page 12 - QT Edition #5 01-29-26

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 THE QUEENS TIMES PAGE 12

QDA Katz Marks MLK Day With Oakland Gardens Smoke Shop Shut Down Again as
Calls For Justice And Service Council Member Linda Lee Pushs For
Stronger Enforcement

An illegal smoke shop long
known for operating without
proper licenses has once again
been shut down, following a
coordinated enforcement action
by the 111th Precinct, Queens
District Attorney Melinda Katz,
and the New York City Sheriff’s
Office.
Council Member Linda Lee’s
office played a central role in the
effort, continuing her push to
curb unlicensed marijuana and
tobacco sales that have prolifer-
ated across the city.
The Oakland Gardens Smoke
Shop has been the subject of re-
peated complaints from residents
Queens District Attorney responsibility of public officials who say illegal operators under-
Melinda Katz joined community to uphold both the letter and the mine public safety, attract nui-
and faith leaders across Southeast spirit of the law. sance activity, and harm nearby
Queens to honor the legacy of Rev. “As the District Attorney, it small businesses that follow the these businesses to reopen even the renewed enforcement, though
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., taking is my job to uphold the law. As a law. This latest closure marks after enforcement actions. many say they hope to see long-
part in two major commemora- great admirer of Dr. King, I also another step in the ongoing effort “Illegal smoke shops harm term measures that prevent re-
tions that highlighted service, believe that the law must reflect to hold both shop owners and our communities, and we will not peat offenders from resurfacing.
justice, and the ongoing pursuit our highest ideals,” Katz said. landlords accountable. allow them to continue operat-
As the city continues to
of equality. She noted that Dr. King’s teach- Council Member Lee pre- ing unchecked,” Lee said. “Our grapple with the rapid spread of
Katz attended State Senator ings continue to resonate deeply, viously co-sponsored Local office will keep working with unlicensed cannabis storefronts,
Leroy Comrie’s annual Rev. Dr. inspiring generations to push for Law 107, legislation designed to partners at the City and State Council Member Lee has empha-
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of fairness and dignity for all. penalize property owners who to pursue a lasting, permanent sized that coordinated enforce-
Service at the Jamaica Performing “Dr. King stirred our hearts and knowingly lease space to smoke solution so that properties like ment, stronger penalties, and
Arts Center, where volunteers and inspired generations to take up the shops selling unlicensed prod- these are unable to reopen in the landlord accountability remain
local organizations gathered to mantle of justice. There is more ucts. The law aims to cut off the future.” essential to restoring order and
support families and strengthen work to do as we continue the fight real estate pipeline that allows Local residents have welcomed protecting neighborhoods.
community ties. She later joined for true equality,” she added.
the Rev. Al Sharpton at the Na- Both events drew residents,
tional Action Network’s King Day civic leaders, and youth groups
celebration, standing alongside who echoed the message that
advocates and clergy committed honoring Dr. King requires on-
to advancing Dr. King’s mission. going commitment to service,
Reflecting on the meaning equity, and community empower-
of the day, Katz emphasized the ment.