July 23, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Several garbage cans have been installed at Hunters Point South Park that aim to tackle the waterfront’s unprecedented litter problem. The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy announced that four “Bigbelly” garbage cans were put into operation Tuesday and three more are expected to arrive early next month. The trash cans… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Christian Murray Ample Hills Creamery, the popular ice cream purveyor, is reopening its Astoria store Thursday after its exit from bankruptcy. The company is reopening two other stores tomorrow—one in Prospect Heights and the other in Chelsea. The openings represent the first steps taken by Schmitt Industries, an Oregon-based company that… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Police are searching for a number of suspects following a drive-by shootout in Astoria early Sunday morning. The driver of a white SUV pulled up alongside two men in the vicinity of 36th Street and 28th Avenue at around 3:50 a.m. and an occupant inside the car fired off… Read more »
July 22, 2020 By Allie Griffin The State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits that come from commercial breeders. The bill, introduced by State. Sen. Mike Gianaris, aims to end puppy mills and breeding farms, where animals are typically overbred and often confined to poor living… Read more »
July 21 2020, By Michael Dorgan Several Queens officials have slammed President Trump for issuing a memorandum that aims to block undocumented immigrants from being counted when the number of congressional seats are determined following the 2020 census. The memo, which was issued Tuesday, would exclude undocumented immigrants from the population count used to determine… Read more »
By Greg David, THE CITY This story was originally published on 07/21/21 by THE CITY New York City is depending on federal aid from Washington to protect Mayor Bill de Blasio’s precariously balanced pandemic-shaped budget from the many risks it contains — including any shortfall in ambitious money-saving targets. Those are among the key findings… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elizabeth Crowley has conceded to Council Member Donovan Richards in the Democratic primary for Queens Borough President. Crowley, a former council member, came in second behind Richards on June 23 when in-person ballots were tallied on election night. She took to Twitter this afternoon to congratulate Richards. The official… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The state has suspended the liquor licenses of three Queens establishments after their customers were found to be disobeying social distancing rules and mask requirements. Two bars in Astoria and a pizzeria in Maspeth each had their liquor licenses suspended by the State Liquor Authority Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Christian Murray A popular graffiti-removal program has been axed as the city looks to tighten its belt given the budget crisis. The city’s $3 million Graffiti-Free NYC program has been suspended since March as the de Blasio administration finds ways to cut costs as the city looks to close a $9… Read more »
July 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Astoria council member wants the liquor license of a Steinway Street lounge revoked, citing overcrowding problems and an alleged history of violence. Council Member Costa Constantinides wrote a letter to the State Liquor Authority (SLA) on July 15 — prior to this past weekend’s mayhem along the stretch… Read more »