Jan. 2, 2018 By Christian Murray The city will close one of nine Rikers Island jails this summer as part of its goal to shut down the controversial jail complex by 2027, the mayor announced today. The Department of Correction will close the George Motchan Detention Center that currently houses about 600 men, according to… Read more »
Dec 29, 2017 By Tara Law (Updated) An 81-year-old man was fatally struck by a car just blocks from his 37th Avenue home last week, the police announced Friday. Soliman Leano was hit by a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban while crossing 31st Street from east to west in the south marked crosswalk at around 9:00 pm, Thursday,… Read more »
Dec. 28, 2017 By Christian Murray The police have released photos of the two suspects wanted for shooting a 53-year-old man inside his Astoria apartment while claiming to be UPS deliverymen earlier this month. The men gained entry into a residential building at around 9:50 a.m. Dec. 21 in the vicinity of 24th Street and… Read more »
Dec. 28, 2017 By Tara Law The Department of Transportation will soon have to assess whether city ferries should run on alternative fuels as opposed to diesel, following the passage of a City Council bill Dec. 19 and the likely signature of the mayor. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria), is a step… Read more »
Dec. 26, 2017 By Tara Law A popular Astoria bagel shop that doubles as a cafe is opening a third location where it will serve beer. New York City Bagel & Coffee House, which combines a trendy cafe atmosphere with a traditional city bagel shop, will open a 33-10 30th Ave. location in June. The… Read more »
Dec. 22, 2017, By Christian Murray The Department of Consumer Affairs, which filed charges against Major World in March for deceptive sales practices, has increased the damages sought from $1.5 million to $36.5 million. The DCA claimed in March that the Northern Boulevard-based dealership had a long-standing practice of luring unsuspecting consumers, particularly those with… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2017 By Tara Law A farm to table restaurant and wine bar will be opening in Astoria early next month. The restaurant, called Yes Chef Wine Bar, will be located at 44-10 30th Ave, replacing Ming Zhang Sushi. It will serve simple dishes made primarily of local and organic ingredients. The restaurant will… Read more »
Dec. 21, 2017 By Tara Law Two men posing as UPS deliverymen shot an Astoria resident after he answered the front door of his home on Thursday morning, police say. The two men knocked on the door of a home on 24th Street at around 10:04 a.m. and said they were delivering a package. When… Read more »
Dec. 20, 2017 By Christian Murray Payless Shoes, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, is closing its 31st Street store and the future of one of its two Steinway locations is uncertain. The company, which announced earlier this year that it was closing about 900 of its 4,400 stores globally, reemerged from Chapter… Read more »
Dec. 19, 2017 By Tara Law The Astoria location of Mexican restaurant and bar Two Lizards has been shut down by court order. The restaurant, located at 35-02 Ditmars Blvd, opened in 2015. It was known for classic Mexican food, frozen margaritas and guacamole made table side. The location was returned to the landlord’s control… Read more »