Author: schnepsrestagent

Adams signs sidewalk shed reform bills: ‘Let the light back on our sidewalks’

Mayor Eric Adams signs several pieces of legislation to address the city’s "long-standing scaffolding shed epidemic."

Apr. 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Mayor Eric Adams signed a package of bills Thursday aimed at tackling New York City’s long-standing “scaffolding shed epidemic.” The five pieces of legislation, approved by the City Council in late March, are designed to reduce the number of temporary steel-and-wood sidewalk sheds that have become a familiar—and…

NYC suspends composting fines just weeks after rollout, citing public pushback

composting

Apr. 21, 2025 By Colum Motherway Just weeks after launching strict enforcement of New York City’s mandatory composting program, the Adams administration has abruptly suspended most fines, signaling a major policy shift from penalties to education and outreach. The abrupt change, announced just weeks after strict enforcement began, marks a significant reversal in the…

Climate Arts Festival returns to Queens Botanical Garden on April 26

climate arts festival

Apr. 21, 2025 By Jessica Militello The Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is celebrating Earth Day with its annual Climate Arts Festival on Saturday, April 26. The event at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring activities, performances, and tours on the climate crisis, including exploring creative…

Highlighting Black Maternal Health Week: A conversation with JPAFHC CEO Renee Hastick-Motes

hastick-motes

Apr. 18, 2025 By Athena Dawson Black maternal health outcomes are an essential topic, especially for expecting mothers in Southeast Queens. In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, which is from April 11 to 17, Renee Hastick-Motes, CEO of the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center(JPAFHC), spoke to QNS about how the health center…

Sunnyside co-op and house prices steady as Woodside sees increase: report

Apr. 18, 2025 By emarshall April 18, 2025 By Ethan Marshall and Christian Murray Sunnyside buyers saw a slight dip in co-op and house prices last year, while average sales prices in neighboring Woodside experienced a modest increase, according to a new report from Welcome Home Real Estate, based on NYC public data. The average…

Free compost site opens in Astoria as DSNY responds to increased demand

compost

Apr. 18, 2025 By cmotherway April 18, 2025 By Colum Motherway The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced the opening of a new compost distribution site in Astoria in response to rising demand and a surge in compostable material collected from Queens residents. Beginning on Wednesday, April 23, residents will be…

Op-ed | Creative resilience: Art as climate crisis communications

climate

Apr. 18, 2025 By Op-Ed Queens is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including severe flooding and extreme heat. Known for both its density and diversity, Queens faces unique challenges in preparing for these climate-related disasters. Low-lying areas of Southeast Queens with high groundwater levels are particularly susceptible to flooding due to…

Dueling petitions emerge over DOT’s 31st Street bike lane proposal in Astoria

DOT proposal image for 31st Street, showcasing protected bicycle lanes and floating parking spaces. Via Change.org

Apr. 18, 2025 By sobrien April 18, 2025 By Shane O’Brien More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition calling for protected bike lanes and “safety improvements” under the elevated subway tracks on 31st Street in Astoria—just one week after a group opposing the project produced a similar-sized petition. The 31st Ave. Open…