Category: Opinion

Op-ed: What the MTA won’t tell you about the Queens Bus Network Redesign

queens bus network

Jul. 9, 2025 By Jack Nierenberg This op-ed is a response to a July 6 commentary published in amNewYork by New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow regarding the rollout of the Queens Bus Network Redesign.   MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow demonstrates a lack of proper understanding of the chaos,…

Op-Ed: Empowering survivors by investing in the communities that know them best

survivors

Jul. 8, 2025 By Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Sandra Ung For many immigrant survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, language barriers can often be difficult to overcome, adding to the litany of overwhelming challenges they face. Many are financially dependent on their partners, while others are isolated from their family and community.…

Op-ed | Long Island City’s last public lot should serve the community, not sit vacant

Jun. 19, 2025 By Czarinna Andres June 19, 2025 By Rob Basch for Hunters Point Parks Conservancy Last week, the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) released the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Parcel E in Hunters Point South. Parcel E is a 69,500 square foot city-owned lot between 2nd Street, Center Boulevard,…

Op-ed: Safety for all on 31st Street requires more than a bike lane

DOT proposal image for 31st Street, showcasing protected bicycle lanes and floating parking spaces. Via Change.org

May. 1, 2025 By emarshall May 1, 2025 By Richard Khuzami This summer, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will begin installing a protected bike lane under the elevated N train on 31st Street in Astoria, stretching from 36th Avenue to Newtown Avenue. The redesign includes new curbside bike lanes with buffer zones, improved…

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…

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…

Op-ed | The fight for opportunity: A mother’s perspective on autism and employment

autism and employment

Apr. 9, 2025 By Vanessa Rogan April marks World Autism Acceptance Month (changed this past year from Autism Awareness Month). It is dedicated to promoting acceptance, understanding and support for individuals with autism and their families. It encourages communities to foster awareness and create inclusive environments for people on the autism spectrum. This is a…

Op-ed: The crisis facing immigrant gender-based violence survivors

Apr. 2, 2025 By Czarinna Andres April 2, 2025 By Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Zeinab Eyega and Yasmeen Hamza As advocates who have dedicated our careers to achieving gender equity and justice, and as the representative of and service providers for some of the most culturally diverse districts in the country, we know firsthand…