May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city could see the easing of restrictions beginning next month. The mayor said that with the spread of COVID-19 slowing, there is a chance that the city may allow the reopening of some nonessential businesses next month. “June is when we are… Read more »
May 11, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Frontline workers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst have been rewarded with a free vacation in recognition of the care they have provided COVID-19 patients. More than 4,000 staff at Elmhurst Hospital were given free round trip flights on American Airlines to destinations across the U.S. and Caribbean. As part… Read more »
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 An Astoria man has been accused of selling stolen COVID-19 test kits for up to $200 each. Henry Sylvain Gindt II, 34, who lives on 38th Street, was charged in Pittsburgh on Thursday for selling the kits via his health and wellness websites YouHealth.shop and YouHealth.me. Gindt also promised… 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 »