Dec. 19, 2024 By Barbara Russo Lennon and QNS News Team Queens commuters frustrated with inadequate bus service can look forward to improvements as the MTA plans to enhance service on several key routes next year. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the upgrades, which will impact 24 bus lines across New York City,…
Dec. 19, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Eviction rates at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties have surged under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, raising concerns about tenant protections, according to a new audit by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. The PACT program, designed to address decades of underfunding and disrepair in public…
Dec. 19, 2024 By Athena Dawson Tap-to-pay is here to stay, and the iconic yellow MetroCards will soon be a New York City relic. The MTA announced on Friday, Dec. 13, that tap-and-go fare technology is now available for nearly all of the MTA’s millions of transit riders. OMNY, the MTA’s contactless fare payment…
Dec. 19, 2024 By Colum Motherway The Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID) hosted a stunning Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6, with the help of the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven and Queens Community Board 9. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar was in attendance as the beautiful tree was lit up to mark the…
Dec. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien A Forest Hills homeowners group has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against the operators of Forest Hills Stadium due to the “harms caused” by the yearly concert series at the stadium. Forest Hills Garden Corp (FHGC), a homeowners association whose members live by the venue, has…
Dec. 18, 2024 By Ethan Marshall The average rental price in Queens for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units maintained an upward trend from the previous year in November 2024, according to a report by the real estate firm M.N.S. Real Estate. Year-over-year, Queens experienced a 4.44% increase in its average rental price, from $2,763…
The MTA Board approved on Wednesday a budget plan for 2025 that includes public transportation fare hikes and toll increases slated to take effect next summer. The board unanimously voted to pass the plan during its monthly meeting on Dec. 18. The exact amount of the increases has yet to be announced but could…
Dec. 18, 2024 By Athena Dawson In the heart of Southeast Queens, one creative entrepreneur is proving that big empowerment can come in small packages. Kamille Cooper is a Rochdale resident and self-taught creative. After clocking out of her 9-to-5 marketing job, the 35-year-old entrepreneur spends her evenings on her e-commerce business, She Got…
Dec. 18, 2024 By sobrien Dec. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Popular Astoria wine bar and café Tootles & French has been nominated for USA Today’s Best New Restaurant for 2025. The restaurant, opened by Chad Goldsmith at 36-15 Ditmars Blvd. in 2023, is among 20 nominees from around the country and is the only… Read more »
With a new year comes new opportunities for New Yorkers making the minimum wage. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents hourly in 2025, to $16.50 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, while the rest of the state will see an increase to…