July 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin Governor Andrew Cuomo said he has made no decision as to whether schools will reopen in September — despite Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing Thursday that New York City public schools will do so. The opposing statements reignited their long-standing argument over who controls schools and yet again has… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Christian Murray The Parks Dept has released preliminary design plans for the long-awaited revamp of Woodside’s Sohncke Square. The tiny park — which borders Roosevelt and Woodside Avenues along 58th street — is about to undergo a $2.25 million renovation. The upgrade will include new seating, the installation of a drinking… Read more »
July 6, 2020 By Allie Griffin Nail salons, tattoo and piercing parlors, spas and outdoor sports courts reopen today as New York City begins Phase III of the state’s reopening plan. Personal care services can reopen under the third phase but at a limited capacity and employees and customers must wear face coverings. Nail salons,… Read more »
July 3, 2020 By Michael Dorgan A local organization that distributes fresh produce to families in need was able to extend its services throughout COVID-19 after receiving a large grant from a Manhattan-based charity. Brighter Bites, a non-profit food distributor located at 55-01 2nd St. in Long Island City, received $30,000 in May from the… Read more »
July 2, 2020 By Allie Griffin A timely exhibit examining the role of monuments in American society will debut this summer at a park in Long Island City. The exhibition ‘MONUMENTS NOW‘ will open this month at Socrates Sculpture Park, located at 32-01 Vernon Blvd., just as historical monuments across the country are being toppled… Read more »
July 2, 2020 By Allie Griffin New York City public schools will reopen for the new school year in September, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today. City schools have been closed since March and instruction was moved online given the coronavirus pandemic. School buildings will reopen for in-person classes on the first day of school…. Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Christian Murray A development team plans to rezone five city blocks on the border of Long Island City and Astoria in order to erect more than a dozen buildings that would consist of 2,700 apartments, a school, as well as retail and office space. The real estate team—comprised of Silverstein Properties,… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Allie Griffin New Yorkers will have to wait a little longer to grab a bite to eat indoors. The reopening of indoor dining at New York City restaurants has been postponed indefinitely, both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today. New York City was poised to reopen indoor… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Michael Dorgan Council Member Costa Constantinides missed the city budget vote Tuesday after being hospitalized with COVID-19 complications again. Constantinides suffered breathing difficulties and chest pain at around 8 p.m. last night and checked into Mount Sinai Queens, according to his spokesperson Terence Cullen. Constantinides notified the city council that he… Read more »
July 1, 2020 By Allie Griffin The City Council passed the mayor’s executive budget that included deep cuts to the NYPD last night, as protesters cried to “defund the NYPD” outside City Hall. The council passed the $88.1 billion budget with a 32-to-17 vote around midnight, just before the July 1, 2021 fiscal year began…. Read more »