June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci An IHOP is coming to the Ditmars section of Astoria next month. The franchise owner, Daniel Chun, said Tuesday that he expects to open the eatery within five to six weeks. The location, at 21-61 31st St., was previously California Farmer’s Market, which closed at the end of 2018…. Read more »
June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci A 54-year-old real estate agent named Kelly Killian was struck and killed by an e-bike in Astoria Friday night – around the corner from where she lived. Police said they received a 911 call just after 8:30 p.m., and when emergency responders arrived at 31st Street and 21st Avenue,… Read more »
June 1, 2021 By Allie Griffin Senior centers in New York City can reopen later this month after more than a year of being shut down, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. Indoor congregate activities can reopen on Monday, June 14, de Blasio said, and the centers can offer outdoor activities immediately. “I’ve heard from… Read more »
June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci New Yorkers who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19 can submit applications for rent relief starting Tuesday, the governor announced. Those eligible and approved by the program can receive funding to cover up to 12 months in past due rent – as… Read more »
May 31, 2021 By Christina Santucci Police said they are looking for a man who punched a 65-year-old woman in Astoria last week in an apparent random assault. The woman was near the corner of 32nd Street and 30th Avenue on the evening of Friday, May 21 when she was attacked. The man allegedly approached… Read more »
May 31, 2021 By Christina Santucci Police said they have arrested a 57-year-old man and charged him with spray painting dozens of cars in Astoria over the past few months. Astoria resident Herberto Torres was hit with 46 counts of making graffiti, criminal mischief and possession of a graffiti instrument, the NYPD said. Cops had… Read more »
May 31, 2021 By Christina Santucci A 39-year-old woman walking with a shopping cart was struck and killed by an SUV in Elmhurst Friday afternoon. Police said the unidentified woman had been trying to cross 91st Place at 43rd Avenue at around 1:15 p.m. when she was hit by a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by… Read more »
May 28, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A bill that aims to prevent green construction fences from becoming magnets for graffiti was passed by the city council Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Bob Holden, requires construction companies to take down the green wooden fences on building sites where work has stopped for two consecutive… Read more »
May 28, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Police busted an Astoria man during the early hours Wednesday who was breaking into an apartment building on 46th Street between 43rd and Skillman avenues. John Petty, 53, was nabbed by police at around 2 a.m. while the burglary was in process. He was arrested by Officer Nakisha Pierre… Read more »
May 28, 2021 By Michael Dorgan Some of the city’s most beloved and time-worn playground animals are set to be given a new lease of life thanks to an initiative by the NYC Parks Dept. The agency is creating a new “retirement home” in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for a number of concrete animal statues that… Read more »