July 10, 2020 By Carol Wilkins, April Simpson-Taylor, Claudia Coger & Annie Cotton-Morris The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been equitable across New York City. While some New Yorkers have been able to work from home, or leave the city temporarily to wait the pandemic out, our NYCHA family has been devastated with the… Read more »
Author: Czarinna
Citi Logos Removed from One Court Square, a Sign of the Times
July 9, 2020 By John Bolger The iconic Citi logos have been removed from the top of One Court Square, marking the end of an era in Long Island City. Scaffolding was erected on the roof of the building late last month in order to facilitate the removal. The logo had adorned the top of… Read more »
Sunnysider Fights to Keep His ‘People’s Library’ Going on Skillman Avenue
July 9, 2020 By Asha MacKay What started as a man giving away books on a street corner has turned into a tug-of-war over community use of public space in Sunnyside. The Sunnyside Free People’s Library, located on the corner of Skillman Avenue and 43rd street and in operation seven days a week, is a… Read more »
Van Bramer Condemns Development Plan Proposed for Former Amazon Site
July 8, 2020 By Christian Murray Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer announced last night that he is opposed to the plans put forward by a group of developers that would bring as many as 15 buildings to a 28-acre area in Long Island City. Van Bramer, who has less than 18 months left in office… Read more »
Queens Comes Together to Form Food Pantry in Astoria
July 6, 2020 By Asha MacKay A food pantry that is operating out of Astoria that represents the coming together of local restaurants, non-profit organizations and generous residents is swamped with those in need every Thursday when it operates. Veggie Days Food Pantry, which was started by the newly formed non-profit Queens Together, has been… Read more »
Parks Department Releases Preliminary Design Plans for Court Square Park
July 2, 2020 By Christian Murray Court Square Park will be undergoing a $4 million upgrade and the Parks Department has released preliminary design plans. The project will feature a new central lawn that will take the place of the fountain. The redesign also includes new seating, games tables and additional plantings. The loss of… Read more »
Giant Mixed-Use Development Planned for Astoria/LIC, Would Bring 2,700 Apartments and Commercial Space
July 1, 2020 By Christian Murray A development team plans to rezone five city blocks on the border of Long Island City and Astoria in order to erect more than a dozen buildings that would consist of 2,700 apartments, a school, as well as retail and office space. The real estate team—comprised of Silverstein Properties,… Read more »
Macy’s Fireworks Light Up East River, Provide Spectacular Views for LIC Residents
June 30, 2020 By Christian Murray Macy’s set off its Fourth of July fireworks off two barges in the East River last night providing Long Island City residents with a close-up view. The fireworks illuminated the sky for a five-minute display, providing spectators on both sides of the East River with great views. “It was… Read more »
Macy’s to Hold Fourth of July Fireworks Show Off Long Island City Tonight
June 29, 2020 By Christian Murray Macy’s will be setting off fireworks off barges near Long Island City tonight as it kicks off its Fourth of July fireworks show, according to sources. The company is providing short fireworks shows across the five boroughs each night this week that will be part of a 4th of… Read more »
NYC Indoor Dining may be Delayed: De Blasio
June 29, 2020 By Christian Murray The city’s plan to allow bars and restaurants to reopen their indoor space next week is now being called in question. The sudden uptick in COVID-19 cases in other U.S. states has been linked to indoor dining, causing the mayor and governor to rethink the reopening timeline in New… Read more »