Author: schnepsrestagent

Deborah Camp: Painting Queens colorful, one window at a time

Spring Window Mural

Mar. 20, 2024 By Athena Dawson Deborah Camp, 38, always knew she was destined to be an artist. The Woodhaven born freelance artist is well known for her grand, colorful, hand painted window signs that line businesses throughout the community.  Growing up in a family full of artists, Camp recalled how from age 3, she…
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Community divided over migrant shelter at Maspeth synagogue

migrant shelter

Mar. 20, 2024 By Anthony Medina A dueling rally was held in Maspeth Saturday outside a synagogue turned migrant shelter where about 50 opponents and 20 supporters stood their ground on opposite sides of Grand Avenue. The Maspeth Jewish Center, located at 66-64 Grand Ave., which began operating as a 15-bed temporary housing facility for migrant men earlier this month, sparked controversy among some residents both in-person and through social media. Demonstrators at Saturday’s protest made their voices heard through chants and signage that clearly stated their stance on the migrant shelter and the crisis as a whole. Protesters against…
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Queens dominates list of NYC’s smallest condos: Report

queens

Mar. 19, 2024 By Ethan Marshall Five neighborhoods in Queens were found to be among the 10 areas citywide that have the smallest median condo size, according to a recent report by the real estate firm PropertyShark. The neighborhoods included South Astoria, Maspeth, Old Astoria, Long Island City and Kew Gardens Hills. South Astoria, which the report defines as the southeast section of the neighborhood, was ranked as having the smallest median condo sizes in all of New York City, at just 631 square feet. Maspeth placed fourth on the list with a median condo size of 671 square feet;…
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Ridgewood group launches petition calling for pedestrian and cyclist safety changes

Ridgewood

Mar. 18, 2024 By Anthony Medina A group of residents who have formed Ridgewood Rides — an advocacy group of bicyclists that calls for safe streets — have launched a petition demanding safer access for cyclists and pedestrians to the Ridgewood Reservoir. The Ridgewood Reservoir, located within Highland Park, is situated on the border of Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods, including Bushwick and Cypress Hills. The group has garnered approximately 800 signatures in its quest to make access to the 1.18 miles of park space safe to enjoy the neighborhood’s greenery. Advocates of the petition are calling for protected bike lanes and…
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Queens DA, elected officials highlight recent scams targeting older adults, add advice on self-protection

scam

Mar. 18, 2024 By Bill Parry Two days after Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced she had brought charges against a Flushing man for scamming more than $600,000 from seniors across the country, her office hosted a presentation at the Ridgewood Older Adult Center on Mar. 12 to coach participants on how they can avoid being victims of similar schemes. “Education is key to preventing fraudulent activity, particularly among the senior population,” Katz said. “To this end, my office has been actively engaging with senior centers across the borough, providing insights on the warning signs of common scams.” Fei Liang,…
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Ridgewood civic leaders release survey identifying 2,400 locations where trees should be planted

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Mar. 15, 2024 By Anthony Medina A group of Ridgewood civic leaders have conducted a tree-planting survey and have identified nearly 2,400 locations in the neighborhood where additional trees should be planted. The results of the tree-planning survey—put together by Paul Kerzner, Luis Rodriguez, and Ted Renz—were delivered to Council Member Robert Holden earlier this week, with a tree-planting project expected to take place over the next two years. The survey results come at a time when Holden has been pushing for tree-planting initiatives. “Trees are incredibly important for our communities, offering numerous environmental and health benefits, and beautifying our neighborhoods,”…
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Animal Care Centers of NYC to bring unique full-service animal shelter to Ridgewood this spring

animal care centers

Mar. 15, 2024 By Anthony Medina The Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City is expected to open a first-of-its-kind, full-service animal shelter in Ridgewood, according to an announcement made by ACC President and Chief Executive Officer Risa Weinstock on Wednesday, Mar. 13. At a recent Community Board 5 general meeting, an informative presentation unveiled key details of the forthcoming 50,000-square-foot facility. Highlights included innovative building infrastructure designed to enhance pet care and the promise of new job opportunities. The new full-service shelter facility, located at 19-06 Flushing Avenue, at the intersection of Flushing and Woodward Avenues, is expected…
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New York legislators and transparency advocates call for stronger Freedom of Information Laws

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Mar. 14, 2024 By Athena Dawson and Czarinna Andres New York State Senators John Liu and Brad Hoylman-Sigal, along with State Assembly Member Steven Raga, joined forces with a broad coalition of journalists, civic organizations, and transparency advocates in Albany on Tuesday to call for crucial enhancements to New York’s Freedom of Information Laws (FOIL). Liu, represents Northeast Queens while Hoylman-Sigal, covers much of the west side of Manhattan. Raga represents several neighborhoods in Queens which include Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Jackson Heights, Astoria, and Middle Village. The legislators, in collaboration with the New York Coalition for Open Government and several…
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