July 16, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The mayor signed a package of police reform bills into law Wednesday that aim to combat police brutality and encourage greater police accountability. The legislation takes aim at police misconduct by banning cops from using chokeholds in all situations as well as making police records more accessible to the… Read more »
July 15, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of coronavirus-related layoffs or pay cuts can apply for a rental relief grant starting tomorrow. The state has launched a “COVID Rent Relief Program” that provides a one-time payment of rental assistance directly to people’s landlord. The… Read more »
July 15, 2020 by Allie Griffin The city planning process that determines whether a piece of land can be rezoned will restart in August, after months of inaction due to the coronavirus. The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) is a months-long city review process that determines whether a building is allowed to be constructed… Read more »
July 14, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A jeweler who ran a failed Ponzi scheme and was left owing investors around $200 million was arrested and charged Tuesday. Gregory Altieri, 53, promised investors that he could generate returns of between 30 percent and 70 percent in a matter of months based on jewelry deals he could… Read more »
July 14, 2020 Editorial Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer has gone AWOL. He has not answered one question put to him this year by the Queens Post publications—after nearly 10 years of quick responses and lengthy statements. What’s changed? The Queens Post ran an article Jan. 20 covering the borough president debate that was held… Read more »
By Yoav Gonen, THE CITY This story was originally published on 07/12/20 by THE CITY Athanasia Zapantis was at her job as a home health aid on the evening of Father’s Day when her 29-year-old son called in a panic. George Zapantis, described by family members and neighbors as a gentle giant with mental health… Read more »
July 13, 2020 By Allie Griffin COVID-19 cases are on the rise among young adults in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio said today. The rate of coronavirus cases among New Yorkers aged 20 to 29 spiked from less than 30 cases per 100,000 people on June 13 to a number nearing 40 per… Read more »
July 13, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Queens Public Library (QPL) has opened some of its local branches for the first time in nearly four months. Seven locations opened to the public for pickups and returns today while nine additional sites are now accepting returns. The library system shut all of its 66 branches on… Read more »
June 13, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the requirements that each county must meet before their schools are permitted reopen in the fall. Cuomo said that schools would be allowed to reopen in regions that are in Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan and where the daily infection rate remains below… Read more »
July 10, 2020 by Allie Griffin Forty apartments in a newly constructed building in Ridgewood are up for grabs through the city’s affordable housing lottery — but only for those who make at least $61,000 a year. The building, called the “The Strand,” is located at 18-81 Starr St. It has a mix of studio,… Read more »