July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin Elizabeth Crowley has conceded to Council Member Donovan Richards in the Democratic primary for Queens Borough President. Crowley, a former council member, came in second behind Richards on June 23 when in-person ballots were tallied on election night. She took to Twitter this afternoon to congratulate Richards. The official… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Allie Griffin The state has suspended the liquor licenses of three Queens establishments after their customers were found to be disobeying social distancing rules and mask requirements. Two bars in Astoria and a pizzeria in Maspeth each had their liquor licenses suspended by the State Liquor Authority Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo… Read more »
July 21, 2020 By Christian Murray A popular graffiti-removal program has been axed as the city looks to tighten its belt given the budget crisis. The city’s $3 million Graffiti-Free NYC program has been suspended since March as the de Blasio administration finds ways to cut costs as the city looks to close a $9… Read more »
July 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin An Astoria bar and lounge has been booted from the city’s curbside dining program after crowds of customers swarmed the street out front with little to no concern for social distancing rules. The city has suspended Brik Astoria, located at 32-16 Steinway St., from its outdoor dining program for… Read more »
July 20, 2020 By Christian Murray A prolific developer who was best known in Queens for the demolition of the 5Pointz site in Long Island City has died. Gerald ‘Jerry’ Wolkoff, who was behind several large developments in New York and Long Island, died Friday at the aged of 83. He suffered from a brief… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Progressive newcomer Jessica González-Rojas has won the Democratic primary for the 34th Assembly District seat, with incumbent Michael DenDekker conceding today. Assembly Member DenDekker congratulated González-Rojas for winning the race and wished her the best in representing the district which covers Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and parts of Woodside… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City is on track to begin Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan Monday — but indoor businesses that were slated to reopen as part of the phase will remain shuttered. Indoor malls, museums, aquariums and other cultural centers will not reopen Monday, despite their initial inclusion… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Michael Dorgan The Queens Borough President’s office is accepting applications for residents to serve on some of the borough’s Community Education Councils. Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee is looking to fill six positions in four districts before the new school year starts. CECs are part of the city’s school governance… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Michael Dorgan An Astoria public school teacher is under investigation after video emerged of her calling a woman an “Asian b***h” following a pro-police rally in Bayside last weekend. The incident, which occurred outside the 111th precinct, located at 45-06 215th St. Sunday, has led to calls for her to be… Read more »
July 17, 2020 By Allie Griffin Mayor Bill de Blasio has extended the city’s outdoor dining program through the end of October to help restaurants bounce back from the months-long coronavirus shutdown. The mayor made the announcement while also noting that he has added a number of streets in Queens — and elsewhere — to… Read more »