Author: schnepsrestagent

NYC’S HOUSING CRISIS: Why affordable housing really isn’t as ‘affordable’ as you think

20240611_113823-rotated

New York City’s affordable housing landscape remains one of the most complicated — and contentious — in the nation. Despite billions of dollars in annual investments, the crisis persists, leaving many New Yorkers struggling to secure a roof over their heads. To help you understand what affordable housing is and how it impacts you,…

Queens advocate fights for NYC’s street vendors amid immigration and policy battles

street vendors

Feb. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin In the heart of Woodside, inside the cozy Moa Coffee, Queens resident Rafi Islam—an organizer with the membership-based organization Street Vendor Project (SVP)—set down his cup of coffee and greeted me with a warm smile. The rhythmic hum of the espresso machine underscored our conversation as he shared…

Astoria bar to host 39th annual Daddy Tapes Benefit to support heart health awareness

Feb. 25, 2025 By cmotherway Feb. 25, 2025 By Colum Motherway For nearly four decades, the Daddy Tapes Benefit has brought together local musicians and music lovers in support of the American Heart Association. Now in its 39th year, the beloved annual event—founded by musician Bill Popp—returns on Sunday, March 9, for an afternoon…

Saving history: Queens preservationist helps rescue vintage storefront signs

preservationist

Feb. 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A Queens preservationist has helped save dozens of signs from iconic businesses that have closed down across the borough by ensuring that they end up in the New York Sign Museum in Brooklyn. Michael Perlman, a historic preservationist based in Forest Hills who founded Rego-Forest Preservation Council, has…

RIOULT Dance NY makes long-awaited comeback with performances at Queens Theatre

rioult dance

Feb. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello After a four-year hiatus, RIOULT Dance NY is making a triumphant return to the stage with a weekend of performances at Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on March 8 and 9. For renowned choreographer Pascal Rioult, the comeback is more than just a performance—it’s a full-circle moment. Queens…

Woodside veteran fired from Bronx VA hospital amid mass government layoffs

IMG_20250224_124536

A 20-year Army veteran who served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan was recently fired from his communications job at the Bronx Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital under the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to the federal workforce.  Luke Graziani, 45, was at work on Feb. 13 when he received an email informing him that his…

NYPD shuts down Astoria massage parlor over alleged prostitution activity

Feb. 24, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 24, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  The NYPD has shuttered an Astoria massage parlor and alleged brothel due to alleged prostitution-related activity at the establishment. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that Han Na Spa, located at 42-10 30th Ave., was closed on Feb. 21 pursuant to a New York State…

NYC Beer Week is in full swing, here’s how to celebrate in Queens and across the city

beer week

Feb. 24, 2025 By Jessica Militello Why wait until St. Patrick’s Day to raise a pint when the festivities have already begun? New York City Beer Week is in full swing, running through March 2, bringing a citywide celebration of craft beer to over 40 breweries—including plenty of exciting events in Queens. This annual…

Suspect wanted for groping 7 train passenger near Queensboro Plaza: NYPD

Feb. 24, 2025 By bparry Feb. 24, 2025 By Bill Parry Police from the 108th Precinct in Long Island City and Transit District 20 are looking for a groper who targeted a 25-year-old woman onboard a 7 train near Queensboro Plaza last week. The incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20,…