Category: Uncategorized

Initial Queens Blvd Safety Upgrades In Elmhurst To Begin This Year

February 12, By Michael Florio

A Queens Boulevard safety revamp will hit the road in the coming months.

The Department of Transportation has started planning an “operational” project for Queens Boulevard between 73rd Street and Eliot Avenue, a busy corridor that runs past the Queens Center Mall.…

City Funds First LGBT Liaison For Public Schools

February 12, Staff Report

The City Council has set aside funding for the Department of Education to hire its first LGBT Community Liaison.

The liaison will support the implementation of a literacy program with gay authors as well as LGBT curriculum development for teachers,…

City Council Approves “Diversity Plaza” As Formal Name

February 11, By Michael Florio

Diversity Plaza will soon officially go by that name.

Last week the City Council approved new names for 42 thoroughfares and public places in New York City, including the small Jackson Heights public space already known as “Diversity Plaza.”

Diversity Plaza is about a block long public space off of 37th Road that falls between 73rd and 74th Streets.…

Pan Am Approved As Permanent Shelter On Fourth Try

February 10, Staff Report

The homeless shelter at the former Pan Am hotel has been approved for a formal contract after first receiving three rejections from the City Comptroller.

According to Eric Sumberg, spokesperson for City Comptroller Scott Stringer,…

Mosque Instructor Charged With Sexually Abusing 9-Year-Old Student

February 10, Staff Report

An after school instructor at a Jackson Heights mosque has been charged with sexual abuse of a young student, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Mohammed Rana, an after-school religious instructor at Masjid Abu Huraira,…

7 Train Riders Deserve Better, Councilman Says

February 9, By Christian Murray

Several Queens-based council members are calling on the MTA to conduct a top-to-bottom study of the 7 line, claiming that weekday service is unreliable and riders are often left waiting on overcrowded platforms as they try to make their way into work.…

Rikers Correction Officer Arrested For Sexual Relations With Inmate

February 9, Staff Report

A correction officer is facing a number of charges including rape and promoting prison contraband in Rikers Island.

Nicole Bartley, 30, was arrested Saturday after an investigation showed that she had a package of marijuana at her home that she intended to give to an inmate with whom she had sexual relations,…

Town Hall Meetings On Snowstorm Response Planned This Week

February 8, By Michael Florio

Following the disappointing cleanup response during Winter Storm Jonas, local officials are looking to devise a plan to be better equipped to handling snow conditions in the future.

Winter Storm Jonas pounded Jackson Heights with 34 inches of snow,…