Oct. 2, 2024 By Tom Grech, Councilmember Sandra Ung and Assemblymember Sam Berger New York City is in the middle of a transportation crisis. In just the past few years, our streets and sidewalks have been overrun by an explosion of two-wheeled, motorized vehicles—e-scooters, e-bikes, stand-up scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes. These vehicles may be…
Category: Opinion
Op-Ed: The bottom line is vaccines save lives
Oct. 1, 2024 By Dr. Maja Castillo, Healthfirst Pediatric Medical Director As a pediatrician, I have given thousands of shots to children over the years. While definitely one of the least ‘fun’ parts of my job, I know that it is one of the most important. Most of these children received their shots on…
Op-ed: Every New Yorker deserves reproductive freedom and equal rights
Sep. 18, 2024 By Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas As it is for many, the fight for equal rights is personal to me. Prior to running for office, I served for thirteen years as the Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, a national organization dedicated to amplifying Latina/e voices in the…
Op-Ed: Not another Amazon disaster
Jun. 20, 2024 By Czarinna Andres June 20, 2024 By John J. Ciafone, Esq. A few years ago, Long Island City won a national competition to house the corporate headquarters of Amazon. Amazon promised tens of thousands of jobs, from technical employment for workers to local student graduates, deliverers, contractors, laborers, construction union jobs, Porters… Read more »
Op-Ed | Say yes to City of Yes to unlock LIC’s economic potential
May 10, 2024 By Laura Rothrock New York City has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, a transformation vividly evident in Long Island City (LIC). The neighborhood’s industrial areas are now complemented by a soaring skyline, and our historic landmarked streets and local commercial corridors now lead to an iconic waterfront. This growth and change… Read more »
Op-Ed | Hochul: Action is Imperative on Shoplifting, but Violent Crime is Just Fine
Apr. 29, 2024 By Council Member James F. Gennaro Negotiations regarding the New York State budget have just concluded a few days ago and a budget has passed after more than two weeks of delays. But while Gov. Kathy Hochul has proclaimed this year’s ‘bold agenda’ aims to make New York ‘safer,’ there hasn’t been…
Read More
Op-ed: An urgent call for revising NY’s criminal justice reforms to protect public safety
Apr. 11, 2024 By Council Member Robert Holden In 2019, the State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo embarked on a controversial overhaul of New York’s criminal justice system by enacting several laws, including cashless bail and sweeping changes to discovery laws. Simultaneously, the New York City Council passed laws that compounded these challenges, notably the…
Read More
A letter from the publisher: What value do you place on local news in your neighborhood?
Feb. 28, 2024 By Joshua Schneps
One of the first community newspapers I acquired came with three vaults in the office. I was given the combination for each, but no longer had use for them.
Op-ed | New York City’s broken property tax system
Jan. 8, 2024 By Martha Stark For decades, it has been an open secret that New York City’s property tax system is inequitable and unfair. This regressive system, rooted in outdated and discriminatory policies, has not only exacerbated the housing crisis but also deepened the economic divide, disproportionately burdening lower-income and minority communities. Next week,…
Read More
Op-Ed: Give back to your fellow New Yorker by making a blood donation this holiday season
Dec. 26, 2023 By Yadira Navarro, Director of Community and Stakeholder Relations for New York Blood Center The holiday season is undoubtedly one of the most special times of the year in New York City. People from all over the world come to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, walk along the window displays…
Read More