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‘No confidence’: Embattled Assembly Member Ardila slammed in Queens Community Board 2 vote over sex abuse allegations, no-shows

June 2, 2023 By Christian Murray Queens Community Board 2 dealt Assembly Member Juan Ardila another political blow Thursday night by passing a “no confidence” resolution in the wake of two sexual abuse allegations that surfaced in March. The board, by a near-unanimous vote, said that Ardila, a first-term Democrat, is unable to represent his… Read more »

Fueling LGBTQ+ business growth: 2023 Queens LGBTQ+ Business Convening coming to La Guardia Community College May 31

May 25, 2023 By Czarinna Andres The 2023 Queens LGBTQ+ Business Convening is set to bring together over 600 business professionals and entrepreneurs from across New York City at LaGuardia Community College on Wednesday, May 31.  The highly anticipated event, now in its third year, aims to provide diverse workforce development opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs…. Read more »

Senate committee passes Queens lawmaker’s bill to strengthen cybersecurity

May 22, 2023 By Czarinna Andres A bill that would strengthen cybersecurity in New York state passed the Senate Internet and Technology Committee on May 22. The bill, S6474, is sponsored by Committee Chair Kristen Gonzalez. The bill would require governmental entities to use multifactor authentication (MFA) for local and remote access to networks. MFA… Read more »

“Why are you refusing to resign?” Controversial Queens Assemblymember accused of sexual assault lampooned at Community Board meeting

May 5, 2023 By Christian Murray If he thought it was business as usual—he was very much mistaken. Controversial Assemblymember Juan Ardila, who was accused earlier this year by two women of sexual assault, addressed Community Board 2 via Zoom Thursday night. He initially began by discussing his “victories” in Albany and the work he… Read more »

Persona non grata: Scandal-scarred Queens Assemblymember blasted for social media posts following uninvited appearance at community event

April 26, 2023 By Christian Murray Juan Ardila, the Queens assemblymember who has been accused by two women of sexual assault and refused to step down from office, has come under fire for posting photos of himself at a community event without the permission of the attendees and the organizers. Ardila attended an Earth Day gardening… Read more »

Two cannabis shops seek licenses to open storefronts in Astoria

March 29, 2023 By Julia Moro Community Board 1 will hold a meeting Monday, April 3, to discuss the Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) intent to grant licenses to Blaze Astoria on Steinway Street and Urban Weeds on Ditmars Boulevard. The board received a 30-day notice regarding the licensure of the two cannabis shops set… Read more »

‘He preys on vulnerable women’: Queens Assemblyman Ardila accused of sexual assault, issues apology

March 14, 2023 By Christian Murray Freshman Assemblyman Juan Ardila, who represents western Queens, faced political fallout Tuesday after being accused of sexual assault by two women—allegations that the lawmaker did not refute when asked for comment. Ardila, who first took office in January after winning a vacant 37th District assembly seat last year, allegedly… Read more »