Author: schnepsrestagent

City certifies OneLIC plan, launching public review for major Long Island City rezoning

Apr. 21, 2025 By sobrien April 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The OneLIC Neighborhood Plan officially entered the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) on Monday, following certification by the City Planning Commission. The sweeping proposal aims to transform a large portion of Long Island City with new zoning rules that would create…

DOT unveils student-designed billboard in Astoria for Work Zone Awareness Week

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez unveils a new student-designed poster encouraging motorists to exercise caution near work zones. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Apr. 21, 2025 By sobrien April 21, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new student-designed billboard in Astoria Monday morning, encouraging motorists to slow down near work zones on city streets and highways as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. The poster, unveiled at the…

Queens natives shine during Autism Acceptance event at Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Manhattan

Ellen's Stardust Diner

Apr. 21, 2025 By Athena Dawson Two Queens natives came together at one of New York City’s most iconic restaurants this April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month through the power of music and inclusion. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the famed retro-themed eatery in Manhattan’s Theater District known for its singing waitstaff, hosted a special performance…

Gluten-free donuts with heart: Maki’s Donuts builds a following in Western Queens

Apr. 21, 2025 By jmilitello April 21, 2025 By Jessica Militello If you’re craving something sweet but mindful of ingredients, Maki’s Donuts offers the perfect indulgence. These gluten-free fried treats are crafted by Ariel Bridges, a Western Queens resident who has been popping up at markets across Astoria, Sunnyside, and Jackson Heights since January.…

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…

Firefighters battle four-alarm blaze in Astoria on Easter morning

Apr. 21, 2025 By Czarinna Andres April 21, 2025 By Lloyd Mitchell & Robert Pozarycki Firefighters in Astoria spent Easter morning battling a four-alarm fire in the borough’s fourth big blaze this holiday weekend. FDNY sources said the blaze ignited inside 21-33 31st Ave. just after 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 20. The first…