Author: michaeldorgan

Queens lawmakers push controversial bill banning NY charities from supporting Israeli organizations in West Bank settlements

Aug. 30, 2023 By Michael Dorgan and Paul Frangipane Assembly member Zohran Mamdani and state Senator Kristen Gonzalez hosted a town hall in Long Island City on Tuesday, Aug. 29, to discuss their legislation that aims to prohibit New York registered charities from funding Israeli organizations operating in the West Bank. The event took place… Read more »

Queens historian joins Brooklyn-based preservationists in salvaging signs from shuttered NYC businesses

The sign salvage crew with David Barnett, 2nd from left with Michael Perlman & Chris of Legit Fit NYC, 2nd from right

Aug. 22, 2023 By Michael Dorgan Gone, but not forgotten. A Queens historian and preservationist has teamed up with a Brooklyn-based foundation to salvage storefront signs from shuttered city businesses — including the distinct red and yellow sign of the Alpha Donuts coffee shop in Sunnyside and the Tower Diner sign in Forest Hills that… Read more »

Venezuelan migrant at new Long Island City shelter here to work for better life, as enraged locals fear for vitality of neighborhood

Aug. 16, 2023 By Michael Dorgan An economic migrant who recently moved into an upscale Long Island City hotel-turned-shelter says he wants to work hard to give his family a better life while local residents and business owners, who are empathetic to his plight, say the opening of the new facility marks a massive backward… Read more »

Unauthorized vendors and the battle for the streets of Corona

Aug. 14, 2023 By Michael Dorgan *This article contains several video interviews below* Corona is one of the most diverse areas in Queens that has gained a reputation for being a food hub offering cuisine from all around the world, but an explosion of unauthorized street vending — and its knock-on effects — appears to… Read more »