Dec. 11, 2019 By Michael Dorgan A bill to reform the way the state enforces new regulatory measures was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Friday. The new law requires state agencies to first assess the impact new regulations will have on small businesses as well as help them better adjust to the… Read more »
Dec. 10, 2019 By Kristen Torres A new sculpture unveiled at Socrates Sculptural Park in Long Island City highlights the importance of trade workers through a one-of-its-kind lighting structure. The sculpture, entitled “Muscle Memory,” was created by trade workers from the Workers Art Coalition (WAC), members of the Local 3 I.B.E.W and students from SUNY’s… Read more »
Dec. 9, 2019 By Allie Griffin Assemblymember Aravella Simotas will face a liberal challenger in next year’s Democratic primary. Newcomer Zohran Mamdani, a 28-year-old foreclosure housing counselor, is running for the 5-term incumbent’s seat representing District 36 in the New York State Assembly. The district covers Astoria. The New York City chapter of the Democratic… Read more »
Dec. 9, 2019 By Allie Griffin Less than a year after Amazon backed out of opening its second headquarters in Long Island City, the e-commerce giant announced it would open a new office in New York City — but this time in Manhattan and with far fewer jobs. Amazon has signed a lease for 335,000… Read more »
Dec. 7, 2019 By Kristen Torres Elected officials and civic groups are banding together in an effort to make it mandatory for the city to study the racial impacts of a neighborhood rezoning. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams appeared alongside Council Members Antonio Reynoso and Rafael Salamanca Wednesday to call on the Council to pass legislation… Read more »
Dec. 4, 2019 By Allie Griffin New York City will pilot a six-month cargo bike program to reduce delivery truck congestion on Manhattan streets just in time for the holiday shopping season, the mayor announced today. The Commercial Cargo Bike Program will bring an estimated 100 cargo bikes from major delivery companies, including UPS, DHL… Read more »
Dec. 4, 2019 By Kristen Torres A Long Island City man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the shooting murder of an Astoria resident at the Ravenswood Houses in December 2017. Javyn McNish, 21, was sentenced Monday for the brutal killing of Jerell Lewis, 20, whom he chased and shot… Read more »
Dec. 3, 2019 By Michael Dorgan and Christian Murray Officials will be releasing a draft of the Sunnyside Yard master plan Wednesday—although they won’t be unveiling it at a traditional town hall meeting. The preliminary draft will be showcased online via a digital town hall that will take place on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m…. Read more »
Dec. 3, 2019 By Allie Griffin Council Member Costa Constantinides, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and transportation activists joined together Monday to call for an end to the city’s program that lessens parking fines for delivery trucks. On the steps of City Hall, the elected officials and activists demanded an end to the Stipulated Fine Program,… Read more »
Dec. 2, 2019 By Kristen Torres Plans were filed late last month for a new, mixed-use building at 30-90 Steinway St. in Astoria. The six-story building, which will house five apartment units along with commercial space, is proposed to replace a tiny, single-level storefront at the location. Plans for the new construction were filed with… Read more »