Feb. 11, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Council voted to pass Council Member Costa Constantinides’ ‘Renewable Rikers Act’ Thursday, which moves the city a step closer to reimagining the island without jails. The act is comprised of two bills sponsored by Constantinides. The first bill transfers control of the island from the… Read more »
Author: Allie Griffin
Taxi Medallion Crisis Puts Queens Council Candidate in Danger of Losing Home
Feb. 10, 2021 By Allie Griffin A Queens resident running for City Council is in danger of losing her family home due to her father’s inability to repay a taxi medallion loan he took out years ago. Felicia Singh, a school teacher running for the Council District 32 seat representing Southeast Queens, said she was… Read more »
New Yorkers With Pre-Existing Conditions Will Be Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Feb. 15
Feb. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers who have pre-existing conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine later this month. Residents who have one or more underlying conditions — which put them at greater risk of complications should they contract the coronavirus — have been added to the list of those eligible for… Read more »
NYC Public Middle Schools to Reopen In-Person Instruction Feb. 25
Feb. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City middle schoolers will be able to return to the classroom later this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday. Public schools that serve grades six through eight will reopen for in-person instruction starting Thursday, Feb. 25, de Blasio said. The schools have been closed since November… Read more »
Indoor Dining in New York City Will Resume Friday, Two Days Earlier Than Planned
Feb. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin Indoor dining in New York City will resume Friday — two days ahead of schedule, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday. Cuomo moved its reopening date two days ahead of what was originally planned. He had previously announced that it would resume on Sunday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Restaurants will… Read more »
COVID-19 Vaccination Site to Open at Citi Field on Wednesday, Priority for Queens Residents
Feb. 8, 2021 By Allie Griffin A COVID-19 vaccination site will open at Citi Field on Wednesday with half the appointments designated for Queens residents. The long-awaited city-run “megasite” will be open 24/7 and have the capacity to vaccinate 5,000 to 7,000 New Yorkers each day. Half of the appointments for the ballfield site will… Read more »
Citi Field COVID-19 Vaccination Site Will Open in ‘a Matter of Days,’ de Blasio Says
Feb. 5, 2021 By Allie Griffin The COVID-19 vaccination site at Citi Field will open in “a matter of days,” Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday. The 24/7 “megasite” was supposed to open the week of Jan. 25, but was delayed due to the city’s shortage of vaccines. The ball field will have the capacity… Read more »
Cynthia Nixon Endorses Amit Bagga in 26th District Council Race
Feb. 4, 2021 By Allie Griffin Actress and progressive activist Cynthia Nixon endorsed Amit S. Bagga today in the crowded 26th District council race. The former gubernatorial candidate is Bagga’s second high-profile endorsement this week. He was endorsed by State Sen. Jessica Ramos on Tuesday. The seat representing Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside and a portion… Read more »
DOT to Add 10,000 Bike Parking Racks Throughout City by 2022
Feb. 3, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has pledged to install 10,000 bike parking racks throughout the city by the end of 2022. The promise was made today by new DOT Commissioner Henry ‘Hank’ Gutman — whose appointment was also announced today by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Gutman… Read more »
Western Queens Council Candidate Amit Bagga Earns Endorsement from Sen. Ramos in Crowded Race
Feb. 3, 2021 By Allie Griffin The first endorsement by a high-profile elected official in the crowded 26th District council race was announced Tuesday. Candidate Amit Bagga earned the endorsement of State Sen. Jessica Ramos for the seat representing Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside and a portion of Astoria. The seat is currently occupied by… Read more »