Category: Uncategorized

Op-ed | Neighborhood rezoning: A better path for Astoria

Feb. 4, 2025 By Richard Khuzami In the ever-evolving landscape of New York City, the need for thoughtful urban planning has never been more critical. As we look to the future, it’s clear that neighborhood rezoning offers a more comprehensive and beneficial approach compared to individual rezoning requests for specific projects. Locally, in Community District… Read more »

Velázquez blasts Trump, Musk, and ‘unfit agency heads’ in powerful speech at Sunnyside

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez during a speech at Sunnyside Community Services on Saturday. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Feb. 4, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 4, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez delivered a powerful message at Sunnyside Community Services on Saturday, accusing President Donald Trump of “preying upon the most vulnerable” in society. Speaking at the ceremonial inauguration of Assembly Member Claire Valdez, Velázquez urged New Yorkers to “fight back” against… Read more »

Velázquez blasts Trump, Musk, and ‘unfit agency heads’ in powerful speech at Sunnyside

U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez during a speech at Sunnyside Community Services on Saturday. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Feb. 4, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez delivered a powerful message at Sunnyside Community Services on Saturday, accusing President Donald Trump of “preying upon the most vulnerable” in society. Speaking at the ceremonial inauguration of Assembly Member Claire Valdez, Velázquez urged New Yorkers to “fight back” against the Trump administration and called… Read more »

Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez celebrates inauguration with local leaders in Sunnyside

Assembly Member Claire Valdez is "sworn in" by UAW representative Brandon Mancilla. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Feb. 4, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Assembly Member Claire Valdez hosted a local inauguration in Sunnyside Saturday afternoon after taking office in Albany at the beginning of last month. The event celebrated the efforts of local campaigners and a victory for democratic socialism in Assembly District 37. A large number of elected officials, including New York… Read more »

Planet Fitness opens at Big Six Towers, bringing new fitness options to Woodside

Planet Fitness Woodside staff, Assembly Member Steven Raga and VBGCQ CEO Costa Constantinides cut the ribbon at the new Woodside location. Photo: Shane O'Brien

Jan. 30, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Global fitness franchise Planet Fitness celebrated the grand opening of its new Woodside location Wednesday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, announcing its arrival in the neighborhood with a variety of special offers for the new year. The gym opened before Christmas in the Big Six Towers co-operative complex at… Read more »

Astoria native brings a personal touch to luxury condo developments

Jan. 30, 2025 By Christian Murray Thomas Ballis, a lifelong Astoria resident, knows the neighborhood like the back of his hand. “I was born and raised in Astoria,” said Ballis, a real estate developer who has built seven residential projects, all in the district. “I know the neighborhood inside out. I know every block. I… Read more »