Category: Uncategorized

More than 1,100 trees planted in Western Queens, 640 in Astoria

Dec. 23, By Michael Florio

Western Queens has gotten a whole lot greener in the past four years—as one community group has planted more than 1,100 trees.

Partnership for Parks, which represents a collaboration between the non-profit group City Parks Foundation and the Parks Department,…

Marketa closed for private events & TV shoots, to reopen mid January

Dec. 19, By Michael Florio

Marketa is not closing, despite several rumors saying otherwise.

Marketa, located at 37-17 30th Ave, closed its doors to the public Monday to focus on hosting private events, according to the owner.

While closed,…

Resident produces video: ‘Welcome to Astoria’

A Western Queens resident who grew up in Astoria has put together a video titled “Welcome to Astoria”.

George Burles, who provides frequent videos for this site, started working on in summer and it showcases the neighborhood.

The video is put to music by Astoria rock bank Pop Mafia.…

Astoria rental prices dip in November, experts not surprised

Dec. 17, By Michael Florio

Rental prices in Astoria dipped in the past month–although they remain largely unchanged from six months ago.

The average monthly rent decreased in November from October across all categories—whether it be studios, one-bedrooms or two-bedroom apartments,…

Water main break forces dozens out of their homes

Dec. 14, Staff Report

Nearly 30 homes were flooded in Astoria Saturday, when a busted water main sent thousands of gallons of water pouring into the street, according to the FDNY.

Many homeowners near 23rd Street and 24th Road Saturday have been forced out of their homes.…

Bicycle racks continue to go up in Astoria

Dec. 12, By Michael Florio

The Department of Transportation has installed bicycle racks along several Astoria thoroughfares such as 30th Ave and Broadway.

The racks have been installed over the past few weeks and replace the old parking meters,…

Don Coqui fighting to save its name, as newcomer opens and says the ‘name’ belongs to him

Dec. 12, By Michael Florio

Call it an old fashion food fight.

Don Coqui, a Puerto Rican restaurant that has three locations throughout New York, will be opening its fourth restaurant in Astoria next week.

The restaurant has no affiliation with the Don Coqui located at 28-18 31st Street—and now the two restaurants are fighting it out in court to see who has the right to use the “Don Coqui” name.…

Lonely Planet names Queens the best place to visit in US next year

Dec. 10, Staff report

The borough of Queens was selected as the best tourism destination in the United States for 2015 by Lonely Planet, a leading news outlet that covers the travel industry.

Queens drew praise for its eating and drinking scene (including the four microbreweries that opened over the last 18 months),…