Author: schnepsrestagent

CM Selvena Brooks-Powers’ bill expands accessibility for NYC’s deaf community

accessibility

Feb. 20, 2025 By Athena Dawson The City Council recently passed a bill to increase accessibility for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Sponsored by Southeast Queens Council Member and Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, Intro138 will increase accessibility for public service announcements (PSAs) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing…

Finding inspiration in self-doubt: How a Queens artist is redefining his creative process

ian su

Feb. 20, 2025 By John Segreto Almost a year since the release of his genre-spanning album Imposter Syndrome, Queens-based artist and producer Ian Su reflects on the project’s success, his creative journey and the challenges of balancing his involvement in two bands: Collidescope and The Polynomials. The album’s title comes from a deeply personal…

New Forest Hills condo The Austin offers luxury residences starting at $814K

the austin

Feb. 20, 2025 By Ethan Marshall A new six-story luxury condominium, The Austin, has opened its doors at 78-29 Austin St. in Forest Hills. The Austin features 98 residences, ranging in size from one-bedroom units to four-bedroom units, as well as townhouses and penthouses. These include one-bedroom condos starting at $814,000, one-bedroom condos with…

Bayside residents rally against cannabis dispensary opening near elementary school

bayside

Feb. 20, 2025 By Czarinna Andres Dozens of Bayside residents took to the streets on Tuesday, Feb. 18, protesting the approval of the Canna Buddha cannabis dispensary, which is set to open just one block from an elementary school. The rally, held outside the not-yet-opened shop at 215-46 39th Ave., drew parents, community advocates,…

Seven Queens City Council candidates receive key public matching funds

20250214_0139

Feb. 20, 2025 By Colum Motherway The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) has voted to approve public matching funds payments totaling $11,100,281 for 39 candidates running in the 2025 elections.  This marks the third payment of the 2025 election cycle, and it reflects the CFB’s ongoing efforts to provide crucial financial support…

Flushing’s Metropolitan Park casino proposal gets City Planning Commission green light

metropolitan park

Feb. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The City Planning Commission has voted in favor of modifications to zoning regulations for the planned $8 billion Metropolitan Park casino development adjacent to Citi Field in Flushing. The proposal, a planned development by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock Entertainment, would convert a 50-acre…

‘We’re in fight mode’: Hochul slams ‘King’ Trump, stands firm in defense of congestion pricing amid federal challenges

"This is real life for New Yorkers." Governor Hochul and transit leaders oppose Washington's decision to kill congestion pricing.

Feb. 19, 2025 By Jada Camille A fuming Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed President Trump’s gambit to kill congestion pricing on Wednesday as a direct federal “attack on New York sovereignty” by a self-proclaimed “king.” The remarks came in response to Trump’s U.S. Department of Transportation, directed by Transportation Secretary San Duffy, moving on Feb.…

‘This is another attack on New York’ — Queens democrats rally against Trump’s effort to kill congestion pricing

Congestion pricing will introduce tolls for motorists traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan.

Feb. 19, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Elected officials across Queens have condemned President Donald Trump after the Trump Administration moved to end federal approval for congestion pricing Wednesday. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed Gov. Kathy Hochul in a letter that he would rescind the federal approval of the congestion pricing program, describing the…