May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray The biggest issue for bars and restaurants right now is paying rent. We talk to Luca DiCiero, founder and CEO of the real estate firm NYSpace Finders in Astoria, about the challenges these businesses face and the willingness of landlords to negotiate with them. DiCiero has brought many business… Read more »
May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray Mayor Bill de Blasio is bringing back alternate side parking for a week—in order to conduct a “clean sweep.” The mayor said this morning that alternate side parking will go into effect the week of May 18 though May 24 so that all the trash that has been accumulating… Read more »
May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray Gov. Andrew Cuomo appears to have reversed course on his past ruling requiring nursing home operators to readmit seniors who have been treated elsewhere for COVID-19. Cuomo, on March 25, ordered nursing homes to readmit seniors who had been treated at hospitals and other facilities for COVID-19. Yesterday, Cuomo… Read more »
May 10, 2020 By Michael Dorgan An online job recruitment fair will take place on Wednesday to help out of work residents find employment. The virtual fair, which is being spearheaded by Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, will take place via the video-conferencing application Zoom on May 13 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m…. Read more »
May 8, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queens Council Members Robert Holden and Eric Ulrich have called on the mayor to fire Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steven Banks for failing to properly manage the city’s homeless crisis. The lawmakers, along with fellow city council member Joe Borelli, wrote to Mayor Bill de Blasio Monday demanding… Read more »
May 5, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Woodside on the Move, a non-profit organization that has served western Queens for decades, faces significant budget cuts that threaten much of its programming. Each year the group provides thousands of residents with essential services in areas like housing and immigration, and also offers after-school programming for hundreds of… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Christian Murray Two Queens legislators are putting on notice publicly-traded companies that have cashed in on the federal stimulus package. Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and State Sen. Jessica Ramos introduced a bill last month in their respective chamber that would prohibit these companies from receiving New York State tax credits should… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Irish Cottage, a popular Irish pub and restaurant that has operated in Forest Hills since 1960, has closed due to the COVID-19 economic shutdown. The family-run traditional Irish bar, located at 108-07 72nd Ave., was run by the McNulty family and was a staple for locals and members… Read more »
May 7, 2020 By Christian Murray The operator of a well-known Long Island City theater company announced Tuesday that he is closing his doors for good. Richard Mazda, who founded the Secret Theatre in Long Island City more than 10 years ago, took to social media Tuesday to notify residents and the arts community that… Read more »
May 6, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Queens Taste, the popular annual food-and-networking festival, has been canceled for 2020 due to issues pertaining to COVID-19. The event had already been postponed from May 5 to Oct. 6 but organizers have decided to terminate the gathering for this year. Safety concerns surrounding COVID-19 along with ongoing economic… Read more »