March 21, 2018 By Tara Law (Updated March 21) Astoria Councilmember Costa Constantinides endorsed Jessica Ramos to replace Jose Peralta in the New York State Senate yesterday, describing her as a “real Democrat.” Peralta has represented Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Corona, East Elmhurst, Woodside and part of Astoria in the State Senate since he was elected… Read more »
March 20, 2018 By Tara Law Permits have been filed for a 5-story, 26 unit apartment building in Astoria. The building will likely be constructed at 32-72 41st St. The property is currently used as a parking lot. The building will be 50 feet tall and 18,427 square feet. The structure will feature an 18… Read more »
March 19, 2018 By Tara Law Jared Kushner’s real estate company turned big profits on three Astoria apartment buildings after falsifying construction records to hide that tenants were living in rent stabilized apartments, the Housing Rights Initiative has found. Kushner Cos. filed paperwork to the Department of Buildings that stated that the company did not… Read more »
March 19, 2018 By Jackie Strawbridge The Chocolate Factory has announced that its 13th annual Taste of LIC will return to the Kaufman Astoria Studios backlot on June 5. This will be the second year that the event is held in the Kaufman Astoria backlot, located on 36th Street between 35th and 34th Avenues. It… Read more »
March 16, 2018 By Tara Law A yoga and wellness studio that emphasizes inclusivity and empowerment will open in Astoria next weekend. The Happie House will open next Friday at 30-05 35th St. with a special open house. The studio will offer yoga and meditation classes and nutrition consulting. The studio was founded by Lisa… Read more »
March 15, 2018 By Tara Law An application has been filed for a 7-story mixed-use building on the corner of 30th Street and 37th Avenue in Astoria. Two buildings and a parking lot— which were formerly occupied by a film equipment rental company— currently stand on the property, which is located at 37-01 30th Street…. Read more »
March 14, 2018 By Tara Law and Nathaly Pesantez Students in Astoria and Long Island City joined a nationwide school walkout this morning to protest gun violence. High schoolers from the Baccalaureate School for Global Education in Astoria as well as the Academy of American Studies, the Academy for Careers in Television and Film and… Read more »
March 13, 2018 By Tara Law Voters will decide whether to spend a million dollars on tech upgrades, school safety measures, road resurfacing or other local projects on a ballot created by community volunteers. Residents of the 22nd Council District— which encompasses Astoria, East Elmhurst, and part of Long Island City and Woodside— who are… Read more »
March 13, 2018 By Tara Law Features and short films made by Queens filmmakers will grace the silver screen alongside movies from around the world at the 8th annual Queens World Film Festival in Astoria this month. The festival will take place from March 15 to 25 at Kaufman Astoria Studios (34-12 36th St.) and… Read more »
A team of National Transportation Safety Board investigators arrived in the city this morning to look into a Sunday night helicopter crash near Halletts Point in the East River, which claimed five lives. The pilot— reportedly Richard Vance, 33 of Danbury, Conn.— was the sole survivor after the helicopter plunged into the river north of… Read more »