Author: schnepsrestagent

Planned mental health center for youth in East Elmhurst sparks fear, misinformation and pushback

mental health

May. 16, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Nearly 1,000 people have signed an online petition opposing plans to convert a former Catholic convent in East Elmhurst into a mental health crisis facility for children and teenagers, citing concerns over safety, communication missteps and potential future use of the site. The petition was launched in March…

Resorts World backs $500M union-built plan to deliver up to 50,000 workforce housing units

resorts world

May. 16, 2025 By Athena Dawson Resorts World Casino New York City (RWNYC), Cirrus Workforce Housing Advisors, LP, and a coalition of labor unions announced a landmark agreement to build up to 50,000 units of workforce housing citywide over the next two decades. The announcement was made on Thursday, May 15, at RWNYC’s grand…

Woodside bowling alley reopens as Lucky Strike Entertainment Center

lucky strike

May. 16, 2025 By Colum Motherway A longtime Woodside favorite has entered a new chapter. As of April 29, the popular Bowlero location at 69-10 34th Ave. has officially rebranded as Lucky Strike Queens, marking a full transformation into the national Lucky Strike Entertainment brand. The change goes beyond a simple name swap. The…

Two Queens educators honored in Applebee’s teacher appreciation contest

applebee's

May. 15, 2025 By Athena Dawson Two Queens teachers have been named winners of a local restaurant chain’s annual teacher appreciation essay contest, earning both recognition and rewards from their students and the community. Chloe Lipka, of Forte Preparatory Academy in Elmhurst and Jenna Kavaler, of PS/MS 164 Queens Valley School of the Arts…

State Assembly overwhelmingly passes parkland alienation bill necessary for Metropolitan Park

assembly

May. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The New York State Assembly has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would allow Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International to transform 50 acres of Citi Field parking lot into Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion entertainment complex anchored by a casino. On Tuesday, lawmakers voted 134-11 in favor…

Central Astoria announces full summer lineup in Astoria Park despite Great Lawn closure

May. 15, 2025 By sobrien May 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition has announced a full schedule of free summer programming, including fireworks, concerts, and outdoor movie nights— despite ongoing renovations that have rendered Astoria Park’s iconic Great Lawn inaccessible. Central Astoria, a long-standing nonprofit dedicated to preserving and…

González-Rojas heralds inclusion of universal school meals in historic state budget win

González-Rojas

May. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas has welcomed the inclusion of universal school meals in the recently-approved state budget, stating that every New York student will now have access to free breakfast and lunch regardless of their family’s income. The recently-approved New York State Budget allocates $340 million for school…

Queens Taste draws 500+ guests celebrating borough’s diverse culinary scene

queens taste

May. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien More than 50 Queens-based vendors showcased their signature dishes at the 21st annual Queens Taste, the borough’s signature food and networking event spotlighting its rich culinary diversity. Organized by the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Queens Tourism Council, the event welcomed over 500 guests to the…

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

padlock to protect

May. 15, 2025 By Bill Parry Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five…

Airport workers at JFK and LaGuardia win expanded benefits under state budget

airport workers

May. 14, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Service workers union 32BJ SEIU has welcomed life-changing benefits for thousands of workers at both LaGuardia and JFK airports in the recently-approved state budget, which includes measures to expand paid vacation and improve health insurance for all airport workers across New York State. The state budget included expansions…