June 1, 2021 By Allie Griffin Senior centers in New York City can reopen later this month after more than a year of being shut down, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday. Indoor congregate activities can reopen on Monday, June 14, de Blasio said, and the centers can offer outdoor activities immediately. “I’ve heard from… Read more »
June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci New Yorkers who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19 can submit applications for rent relief starting Tuesday, the governor announced. Those eligible and approved by the program can receive funding to cover up to 12 months in past due rent – as… Read more »
May 28, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A bill that aims to prevent green construction fences from becoming magnets for graffiti was passed by the city council Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Bob Holden, requires construction companies to take down the green wooden fences on building sites where work has stopped for two consecutive… Read more »
May 28, 2021 By Michael Dorgan Some of the city’s most beloved and time-worn playground animals are set to be given a new lease of life thanks to an initiative by the NYC Parks Dept. The agency is creating a new “retirement home” in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for a number of concrete animal statues that… Read more »
May 27, 2021 By Allie Griffin Two anti-Semitic incidents have have been reported to police in the Kew Gardens Hills area in less than a week, according to a local elected official. The incidents have taken place in a neighborhood that has a large Jewish community and come at a time when anti-Semitic attacks are… Read more »
May 27, 2021 By Michael Dorgan A 75-year-old Asian woman was punched in the face Wednesday near Le Frak City in Corona. The victim was walking along 57th Avenue near 97th Place at around 2:30 p.m. when a man suddenly clobbered her, police said. The senior fell to the ground and suffered a fractured nose… Read more »
May 27, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A campaign mailer sent out by Elizabeth Crowley that reads “eviction notice” in large font has sparked outrage among her critics. The mailer, released by her campaign last week, was intended to attack Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for accepting real estate money—but was viewed by many as being… Read more »
May 27, 2021 By Ryan Songalia City Council member Daniel Dromm kicked off Pride Month on Monday with his annual LGBT Pride celebration at Queens Center Mall. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson was honored at the event, which was also attended by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Member Karen… Read more »
May 26, 2021 By Ryan Songalia A city council candidate running to represent District 29 in Forest Hills picked up the endorsement of an influential progressive activist and actress on Tuesday. Aleda Gagarin, who is running to replace the term-limited Karen Koslowitz, received the backing of Cynthia Nixon, the progressive actress who gave Andrew Cuomo… Read more »
May 26, 2021 Staff Report Local 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest union in New York and the nation’s largest healthcare union, today endorsed community activist Lynn Schulman for election to City Council District 29. “Lynn Schulman is a life-long champion for healthcare workers’ rights and a fierce advocate for improving healthcare access… Read more »