Tag: joann-ariola

Holden introduces bills targeting fire hydrant obstruction and rodeo animal abuse

holden

Apr. 25, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has introduced two new pieces of legislation that target fire hydrant misuse and abusive rodeo practices.  The two bills—Intro 1255 and Intro 1256—seek to bolster public safety and protect animals from inhumane treatment. The first bill, Intro 1255, known as the Rodeo Animal Protection…

Common Sense Caucus backs NYC retirees in Medicare Advantage legal fight

common sense caucus medicare

Apr. 17, 2025 By Colum Motherway The City Council’s bipartisan Common Sense Caucus has filed an amicus brief with the New York State Court of Appeals in support of municipal retirees fighting to maintain their traditional Medicare supplemental health insurance. The brief, submitted in a closely watched class action lawsuit, marks the third time…

Photos: DA Melinda Katz honors Queens leaders at Women’s History Month celebration

women's history

Mar. 24, 2025 By Ethan Marshall and Ramy Mahmoud Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently held her annual Women’s History Month celebration on Wednesday, March 19, in the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Building at Queens College, located at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing. Co-sponsored by Queens College, the Queens County Women’s Bar Association and the Center for…

Ariola fights for Queens representation in GOP leadership amid disputed City Council vote

ariola

Jan. 31, 2025 By Athena Dawson A trio of Republican council members are contesting the recent election of Council Member David Carr as the Republican Caucus Minority Leader. The vote took place in person at City Hall on Tuesday, Jan 28, with only three of the six Republican Caucus members in attendance. The members present…

New laws require DOT to consult FDNY and notify council on roadway closures and parking changes

roadway

Dec. 23, 2024 By Athena Dawson The New York City Council passed two transparency-focused bills during its Stated Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, aimed at improving communication around roadway closures and parking space suspensions. Council Member Joann Ariola, who represents District 32, which covers neighborhoods including Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Glendale, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, sponsored the legislation and expressed…

City of yes for housing faces fierce pushback in Queens ahead of vote

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Nov. 27, 2024 By Athena Dawson As the City Council’s voting deadline on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity steadily approaches, residents, civic groups, and local elected officials throughout Queens have voiced their stance on the monumental rezoning proposal.  The City Council is expected to hold a final vote on Dec. 5 regarding…

Queens pols call on Adams to resign, others stay quiet after historic corruption charges

resign

Sep. 26, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan After Eric Adams became the first sitting mayor to be indicted with federal crimes on Wednesday evening, Queens elected officials from all ranks called for his resignation. From city council members to Albany representatives and one notable congresswoman, officials added to existing calls for Adams to step down…