April 1, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Sanitation Department (DSNY) is bringing back Sunday basket collection using federal COVID-19 relief money to restore the service. The city will deploy more than 100 additional Sanitation trucks per week dedicated to litter basket collection– in addition to Sunday service. The city made significant cuts… Read more »
March 31, 2021 By Ryan Songalia Term-limited councilwoman Karen Koslowitz has handpicked Lynn Schulman as her chosen successor, endorsing the community activist for the up-for-grabs district 29 seat that spans Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Rego Park and Richmond Hill. The incumbent has a long history with Schulman, having ran against her in the Democratic primary… Read more »
March 31, 2021 By Ryan Songalia New York has become state number 15 to legalize recreational pot with Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing the “Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act” into law this morning. The bill cleared both the New York State Senate and Assembly yesterday, and Cuomo pledged last night that he would make it law…. Read more »
March 30, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City’s long-delayed plan to charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street is a step closer to becoming a reality. The Biden administration notified city and state officials Tuesday that they can move forward in conducting an environmental review of the congestion pricing plan– which is required before… Read more »
March 30, 2021 By Christina Santucci A Queens prosecutor – who a judge said had “deliberately” withheld key evidence in a 1996 double murder case that ended with the wrongful conviction of three men – has stepped down from the Queens District Attorney’s office. Brad Leventhal, who was the DA’s long-time Homicide Bureau Chief, has… Read more »
March 29, 2021 By Allie Griffin The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting applications for the second year of its Open Streets program that transforms roadways into pedestrian spaces and outdoor dining areas. Local businesses and community groups can apply online to designate a street near them as an Open Street…. Read more »
March 29, 2021 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers as young as age 30 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. All adults in the state — from age 16 and up — will be eligible for the vaccine a week later on April 6. Residents as young as… Read more »
March 25, 2021 By Allie Griffin Congress Member Grace Meng endorsed community activist Lynn Schulman for the 29th Council District seat Wednesday. Meng said Shulman, who is running for the seat that represents Forest Hills and adjacent neighborhoods, has proved her support for the community through her years of work and activism. “Lynn Schulman has… Read more »
March 24, 2021 By Christina Santucci A fundraiser set up to help three men who were wrongfully convicted of a 1996 double homicide and spent 24 years behind bars has raised more than $40,000. The funds are being distributed among George Bell, Rohan Bolt and Gary Johnson who had been wrongfully convicted of killing Ira… Read more »
March 24, 2021 By Allie Griffin Public school parents have another opportunity to send their kids back to in-person classes for the remainder of the school year, starting today. The city has opened a second opt-in period to students who enrolled in full remote learning to switch to the hybrid learning model in which students… Read more »