Feb. 23, 2021 By Christina Santucci The number of applications for a seat on a community board in Queens went up by more than 56 percent this year. The borough president received 931 applications for the unpaid positions, up from 595 in 2020. The number was an all-time high, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said…. Read more »
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Astoria Native Lorraine Grillo Appointed as ‘Recovery Czar’
Feb. 23, 2021 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has created a new position, “Recovery Czar,” to lead the city’s recovery from the pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. De Blasio appointed Astoria native and CEO of the City’s School Construction Authority (SCA) Lorraine Grillo to fill the position as the senior advisor of the… Read more »
Movie Theaters Can Reopen March 5 at 25 Percent Capacity: Cuomo
Feb. 22, 2021 By Christina Santucci New Yorkers will soon be able to watch the latest movie on the big screen. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that theaters in New York City will be able to open at 25 percent of normal capacity beginning March 5. The state, however, will limit each screening to 50… Read more »
Hearing Held Over Lawsuit Challenging Ballot Requirements
Feb. 22, 2021 By Christina Santucci A Supreme Court justice is now weighing in on a lawsuit brought by more than 100 political candidates and their supporters — asking that the requirements to collect in-person signatures to get on the ballot be waived. State Supreme Court Justice Frank P. Nervo presided over a hearing about… Read more »
Queens Lawmakers Gather on Steps of Borough Hall to Denounce Spike in Hate Crimes
Feb. 22, 2021 By Allie Griffin Queens lawmakers and community leaders joined together on the steps of Borough Hall Monday to denounce a recent string of hate crimes against the Asian American and Jewish communities in the borough. The press conference was organized by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards following three bias incidents in the… Read more »
Queens Council Member’s Bill To Remove NYPD Safety Officers From Public Schools Draws Critics
Feb. 22, 2021 By Michael Dorgan A coalition of elected officials, students, parents and other advocates have come out against a bill sponsored by Queens Council Member Costa Constantinides that aims to remove the NYPD from public schools. The group argues that the bill–introduced Feb. 11— falls short since the 5,000 NYPD safety agents that… Read more »
Man Released After Being Arrested for Shoving Asian Woman on Flushing Street: DA
Feb. 19, 2021 By Christian Murray The man who was arrested Thursday for assaulting a 52-year-old Asian woman on a Flushing street was released from custody early this morning. Patrick Mateo, 47, who was charged with assault and harassment, was released this morning at around 3 a.m. without bail, according to the Queens District Attorney’s… Read more »
New York City Restaurants Can Increase Indoor Dining Capacity to 35 Percent Next Friday
Feb. 19, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City eateries will be able to serve more customers indoors starting next week. City restaurants will be able to increase their indoor dining capacity to 35 percent next Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. The establishments were permitted to reopen indoor dining rooms at 25 percent capacity… Read more »
New York City’s Vaccine Supply Delayed due to Snow Storms
Feb. 18, 2021 By Allie Griffin New York City is scheduling fewer COVID-19 vaccination appointments this week since a shipment of the life-saving shots has been delayed due to winter storms. Snow storms across the country have delayed the arrival of a vaccine shipment that will replenish the city’s supply, Mayor Bill de Blasio said… Read more »
De Blasio Says He Believes Ron Kim ‘100 Percent,’ Accuses Cuomo of Bullying
Feb. 18, 2021 By Christian Murray The feud between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio appears to have been ratcheted up a notch—with the mayor accusing Cuomo of bullying Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim. The mayor said that he “100 percent” believes Kim’s account of the dispute the Assemblyman has had with Cuomo. Kim… Read more »