May 10, 2022 By Michael Dorgan More than a dozen councilmembers– including three from Queens–have introduced legislation that would ramp up fines for drivers of noisy vehicles. The bill—sponsored by 17 councilmembers including Queens representatives Sandra Ung, Linda Lee and Lynn C. Schulman—would double the existing penalties for motorists who drive with loud exhausts or… Read more »
May 10, 2022 By Michael Dorgan New Yorkers who live in low-income neighborhoods lack access to quality parks and playgrounds when compared to residents living in affluent areas, according to a Queens councilmember. Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, who represents District 25 in Jackson Heights, says that neighborhood parks in poorer communities are often inadequately maintained due… Read more »
May 10, 2022 By Christian Murray Jackson Heights Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas introduced legislation Monday that would set up a $50 million fund that would pay for abortion services for women from out of state where the procedure is outlawed. The bill, titled the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program, would lead to the establishment of a… Read more »
May 10, 2022 By Christian Murray A development company plans to build a 23-story residential tower on Vernon Boulevard—on the site that is currently home to the dilapidated Paragon Paint Building. Quadrum Global, an international investment firm, is seeking a zoning variance through the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) in order to develop the… Read more »
May 9, 2022 By Michael Dorgan A woman is dead after being struck by a motorist while crossing 21st Street in Astoria Friday night. Karina Larino, 38, was hit by a driver of a 2005 Honda Element while attempting to cross 21st Street— near Astoria Park—at around 10:10 p.m., according to police. The victim lived… Read more »
May 5, 2022 By Michael Dorgan The owner of The Brass Owl, a boutique located on Ditmars Boulevard, is opening a children’s store. The new store, which will be called The Tiny Owl, will open on May 21 at 31-21 Ditmars Blvd. in a space that was previously occupied by Zikos Realty. The Tiny Owl… Read more »
May 6, 2022 By Michael Dorgan A pedestrian is in critical condition after being mowed down by a hit-and-run driver in Astoria early Friday morning. The victim, a 33-year-old man, was hit while crossing at the intersection of 31st Avenue and 33rd Street at around 3:40 a.m., according to police. The driver, who was in… Read more »
May 6, 2022 By Michael Dorgan An Astoria man who was arrested Monday for allegedly driving drunk and striking an NYU student in Manhattan is awaiting upgraded charges with the victim now declared dead. Michael de Guzman, 49, was charged with driving while intoxicated after plowing into 21-year-old Raife Milligan who was attempting to cross… Read more »
May 6, 2022 By Michael Dorgan A new fleet of electric Citi Bikes that have longer battery capacity and an array of innovative features was launched in Astoria Thursday. The e-bikes have a new design and are quicker, more environmentally friendly, and come with onboard safety sensors, as well as a built-in LCD screen. The… Read more »
May 6, 2022 By Czarinna Andres A fire that broke out inside a Queensbridge apartment and killed a woman in December has been ruled a homicide, the NYPD announced today. Police responded to a call of an apartment fire at 40-12 12th St. (Queensbridge North Houses) on Thursday, Dec. 9, and discovered Lavina Nolley inside… Read more »