Author: schnepsrestagent

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…

Final call: Real ID will be required for all domestic travelers 18+ starting May 7

Georgia state driver’s license (flat design)

Apr. 18, 2025 By Athena Dawson Starting May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant identification or an approved alternative to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The announcement follows years of delayed implementation of the REAL ID…

Crunching the Queens crime numbers: Grand larcenies continue to drop across borough, murders and rapes decline in southern Queens

grand larcenies

Apr. 18, 2025 By Ethan Marshall Grand larcenies maintained a significant downward trend across all of Queens and murders and rapes had substantial declines in southern Queens during the 28-day period ending on April 6, compared to the same period of time the previous year, according to the NYPD. In northern Queens, grand larcenies…

Explore NYC neighborhoods during Jane’s Walk 2025, May 2–4

jane's walk

Apr. 18, 2025 By Athena Dawson An annual celebration of urban life and culture is returning to New York City.  The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) has announced its full list of walks for Jane’s Walk NYC 2025, held from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4. Over 200 free walks are…

Culture Lab LIC celebrates five years with outdoor season launch at The Lot in May

Crowds at the recent Korea Fest at Culture Lab. The festival was one of the most popular events of Culture Lab's 2024 outdoor season. Photo: Culture Lab

Apr. 18, 2025 By sobrien April 18, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Culture Lab LIC will celebrate the launch of its outdoor season at the beginning of May, ushering in a season of outdoor live music performances, cultural festivals and dog-friendly events. The outdoor space, officially rebranded as “The Lot” for the 2025 summer outdoor…

Rents rise in 10 of 11 Queens neighborhoods, with Sunnyside as the only exception: report

rent

Apr. 18, 2025 By Ethan Marshall The cost of rent for apartments in Queens continued to trend upwards year-over-year in March 2025, according to a report by the real estate firm M.N.S. Real Estate. Studios, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom units all experienced price increases over this period of time. The average rent across the borough…

Southeast Queens leaders endorse Mark Levine for NYC comptroller

mark levine

Apr. 17, 2025 By Athena Dawson Four prominent Southeast Queens leaders have announced their endorsement of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine in his campaign for New York City comptroller. Levine’s campaign shared the news exclusively with QNS on Thursday, April 17, naming Assembly Members Vivian Cook and Alicia Hyndman, former City Council Member and…

Op-ed: The power of representation in healthcare

representation

Apr. 17, 2025 By Dr. Ifeanyi Oguagha As physicians of color at Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center (JPAFHC), we regularly witness how representation in healthcare can save lives. Our patients – who, like us, are predominantly people of color – walk through our doors not only with medical concerns but also often carrying…