Author: Allie Griffin

NYC’s Congestion Pricing Plan a Step Closer to Becoming a Reality

March 30, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City’s long-delayed plan to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street is a step closer to becoming a reality. The Biden administration notified city and state officials Tuesday that they can move forward in conducting an environmental review of the congestion pricing plan– which is required before… Read more »

Van Bramer and Council Candidates Call on Speaker Johnson to Release Findings of Sexual Harassment Audit

March 30, 2021 By Allie Griffin Jimmy Van Bramer and several candidates running for elected office are calling on Council Speaker Corey Johnson to release the findings of an audit of the City Council’s sexual harassment policies ordered nearly two years ago. Van Bramer, who represents the 26th council district and is running for Queens… Read more »

Mayor Pledges to Provide Greater Support to Community Groups That Manage Open Streets

March 29, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting applications for the second year of its Open Streets program that transforms roadways into pedestrian spaces and outdoor dining areas. Local businesses and community groups can apply online to designate a street near them as an Open Street…. Read more »

Two Decomposing Bodies Found Inside Apartment at Astoria Houses NYCHA Complex

March 25, 2021 By Allie Griffin Two decomposing bodies were found inside an apartment at the Astoria Houses NYCHA complex early Thursday after a resident reported smelling a foul odor. The NYPD received a call at around 12:25 a.m. and found the two bodies — partially decomposed — inside an apartment at 1-05 Astoria Blvd,… Read more »

Queens Council Member Ulrich Calls on Schools Chancellor to Loosen School Closure Guidelines

March 23, 2021 By Allie Griffin Council Member Eric Ulrich is calling on Department of Education to change its protocols on school closures–to prevent school buildings from shutting down and reopening so frequently. Ulrich penned a letter to Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter urging her to reconsider the current DOE policy that requires school buildings… Read more »

Council Member Constantinides Backs Tiffany Cabán for his Council Seat

March 22, 2021 By Allie Griffin Council Member Costa Constantinides is backing Tiffany Cabán to replace him in the City Council when he leaves office at the end of the year. Constantinides announced his endorsement of the progressive public defender at a press briefing outside the entrance to the Rikers Island bridge in Astoria Monday…. Read more »

Car Stolen From Long Island City Auto Body Shop: NYPD

March 22, 2021 By Allie Griffin A car was stolen from a Long Island City auto body shop earlier this month and police are searching for the suspect. A 44-year-old man who was looking to get his vehicle repaired had parked his 2017 Toyota Camry outside A&P Auto Body and Repair Inc., located at 22-01… Read more »

New Yorkers 50 and Older Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Tuesday

March 22, 2021 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers as young as 50 years old will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning tomorrow morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. Cuomo lowered the current vaccine-eligibility age — which is 60 in New York State — by ten years. He first lowered it from 65 years old… Read more »