Author: sobrien

Culture Lab LIC to debut Italian art exhibition ‘Art Exchange’ on March 6

"Red LIC Night" is one of many pieces on display at the upcoming exhibition. Photo: Culture Lab LIC

March 4, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Culture Lab LIC has announced a new international gallery exhibition featuring Italian art, offering Long Island City residents a chance to explore emerging talents and experience art’s power as a unifying force. “Art Exchange: A Bridge Between Italy & America” will run from Thursday, March 6, until Easter Sunday,… Read more »

Starbucks expands in Long Island City with new Vernon Boulevard location

Feb. 18, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  A Long Island City street corner that has witnessed a rapid rate of business turnover in recent years is now home to a new Starbucks location. The multinational coffeehouse giant opened its doors at 49-19 Vernon Blvd. on the corner of Vernon Boulevard and 50th Avenue late last year,… Read more »

Materials for the Arts in LIC launches Young Designers program to empower the next generation of fashion talent

Models wear designs by 2024 MFTA Young Designer Miles Gaffney at Brooklyn Fashion Week. Photo by Shawn Punch.

Feb. 13, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Materials for the Arts (MFTA), a creative reuse center and exhibition space in Long Island City operated by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, has announced the launch of its Young Designers program. This initiative, in partnership with the BK Style Foundation, offers talented young designers, aged 18 to… Read more »

Chocolate Factory Theater in LIC receives $1 million grant from State Sen. Gonzalez, moves closer to renovation funding goal

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez presents the Chocolate Factory Theater with $1 million grant last month. Photo: Office of State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez

Feb. 12, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez has awarded the Chocolate Factory Theater, a Long Island City performance space, a $1 million grant to fund the complete redevelopment of its permanent LIC facility. Gonzalez visited the Chocolate Factory Theater at 38-29 24th St. on Jan. 11 and presented it with a $1 million check… Read more »

CM Julie Won announces second round of surveys for OneLIC plan

Photo: Office of Council Member Julie Won

Feb. 11, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Council Member Julie Won and the Department of City Planning (DCP) have announced a new survey for three publicly-owned Long Island City sites near Anable Basin to solicit community feedback about local priorities for the three locations. The three sites, which include the six-story, 672,000-square-foot Department of Education building at… Read more »

Long Island City couple launches local gym equipment repair service for Queens

Elvis Rodricks and Harshi Patel, who launched A.E.S. Fitness in Long Island City. Photo: Harshi Patel

Feb. 10, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A Long Island City couple has launched a new gym equipment repair and maintenance company, offering residential and commercial gyms throughout Queens an opportunity to make speedy repairs to malfunctioning equipment. Husband and wife Elvis Rodricks and Harshi Patel, who have lived in Long Island City for around 15… Read more »