Dec. 18, 2019 By Allie Griffin A bill sponsored by State Sen. Michael Gianaris to increase the amount in dispute that small claims court can address in New York City was signed into a law by the governor Monday. The law increases the previous jurisdictional limit from $5,000 to $10,000 and only applies to courts… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2019 By Kristen Torres A Queens lawmaker held a rally Monday outside the new Amazon distribution center in Woodside, arguing that the e-commerce giant has a history of subjecting its employees to poor work conditions. State Senator Jessica Ramos joined local labor groups on Dec. 16 outside the new facility, which opened in… Read more »
Dec. 18, 2019 By Allie Griffin A Woodside soccer coach has been charged with rape and other crimes for sexually abusing four teens — two as young as 13 — and recording some of the abuse on video. Harrison Torres, 23, allegedly raped and sexually abused a teenage girl and teenage boy on separate occasions… Read more »
Dec. 16, 2019 By Kristen Torres A Queens lawmaker has introduced legislation to ban “devocalization” surgeries on household pets — a procedure that leaves cats and dogs unable to communicate. State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who represents western Queens, announced the legislation on Dec. 14 while speaking at PetCon NYC — a nationwide conference for animal… Read more »
Dec. 16, 2019 By Allie Griffin A hit-and-run driver fatally struck a pedestrian in Woodside Wednesday after blowing through a red light while drunk, according to police. The driver, 50-year-old Jorge Samaniego of Maspeth, then fled the scene after hitting the pedestrian on Broadway at 60th Street at around 8 p.m. While fleeing, he collided… Read more »
Dec. 13, 2019 By Allie Griffin Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Queens transit advocates rallied for a safer Northern Boulevard on Wednesday morning. The advocates called for a dedicated bus lane, a protected bike lane and safer street designs along the road, where 1,200 people have been injured since 2014, according to Van Bramer’s… Read more »
Dec. 13, 2019 By Michael Dorgan A number of Queens-based groups will receive funding from a new $19 million community awards program that focuses on census-related education and organizing. NYC Complete Count Fund is designed to help over 150 community organizations across the five boroughs build awareness about the 2020 census. Chhaya CDC, the Boys… Read more »
Dec. 12, 2019 By Allie Griffin The 7 train line’s expensive new signaling system was slowed down by a little slush this Wednesday morning, causing the subway line to operate at reduced speeds and New York City Transit President Andy Byford to have some strong words for the outside vendor responsible. NYCT Subways tweeted that… Read more »
Dec. 11, 2019 By Kristen Torres The building boom near the 52nd Street subway station shows no signs of abating. A developer filed plans Tuesday to build a 5-story, 10-unit apartment building on 52nd Street, on the small block between Roosevelt Avenue and Queens Boulevard. The site, with the official address of 43-30 52nd St.,… Read more »
Dec. 11, 2019 By Christian Murray Trader’s Joes is coming to Long Island City, according to a number of well-placed real estate brokers. The popular grocery chain, known for its quality products at affordable prices, will be moving into 22-43 Jackson Ave. A lease has been signed and the store is expected to open late… Read more »