Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of coronavirus-related layoffs or pay cuts can now apply for a rental relief grant–once again. Governor Andrew Cuomo opened applications for the “COVID Rent Relief Program,” which provides a one-time payment of rental assistance directly to a… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio wants the nearly 1,000 speed cameras placed throughout the city to be able to ticket drivers going over the limit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. De Blasio called on state lawmakers to allow New York City to run speed cameras around the… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin Members of the Whitestone Republican Club ditched masks and social distancing rules at an indoor holiday party earlier this month, video shows. Party-goers — including Northeast Queens City Council candidate Vickie Palladino — flouted COVID-19 rules when they formed a 15-person conga line at the holiday party on Dec…. Read more »
Dec. 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A manhole erupted in flames in Long Island City early Monday sending smoke billowing into a nearby restaurant. The blaze took place near the corner of 48th Avenue and 11th Street at around 4:15 a.m. and smoke quickly filled the outdoor dining area at Jora, a Peruvian restaurant located… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Construction has begun on a $14.3 million project to rehabilitate the Astoria Boulevard Bridge, the NYS Department of Transportation announced today. Crews are upgrading the bridge — above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway ramp — putting in place a new roadway deck, LED lighting and a new drainage system. The existing… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Nursing home residents and staff across New York state began receiving the COVID-19 vaccination today. Other essential workers also began receiving the shot — including workers at federally-qualified health centers, EMTs, medical examiners and other congregate care workers, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced. The groups are among the first to… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Christian Murray Chip, the famed Astoria cookie bakery, is opening a shop in Sunnyside– half a block south of the 40th Street subway station. The Sunnyside location is scheduled to open at 45-05 40th St. Tuesday and will be the company’s sixth bakery since it was founded in Astoria in July… Read more »
Dec. 20, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A non-profit organization that operates a composting facility near the Queensbridge Houses NYCHA complex has been granted a six-month extension on its lease by the Parks Dept. Big Reuse was required to leave the site, located under the Queensboro Bridge at the corner of Vernon Boulevard and Queens Plaza… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Christian Murray A gas station and auto repair shop on 21st Street are going to be demolished to make way for a mixed-use building. Demolition plans were filed with the Dept. of Buildings last week to bulldoze a one-story building at 30-75 21st St. that is located on the corner of… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Police are searching for two suspects who allegedly stole more than $10,000 worth of goods from a smoke shop in Astoria last month. The suspects broke through the front window of Cloud Beast, located at 22-05 35th St., on Nov. 26 at around 3:30 a.m. and began rummaging through… Read more »