Feb. 17, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Astoria residents have rallied to save a local shoe repair store that has served the neighborhood for over 90 years after the store suffered extensive damage during a fire last Thursday. Hong’s Shoe Repair, located at 22-60 31st St., suffered severe damage during the blaze, which broke out early… Read more »
Feb. 14, 2025 By Bill Parry A Venezuelan man who was living in the migrant shelter on Randall’s Island is now on Rikers Island after he was arrested last month and criminally charged with attempted murder for shooting an Astoria business owner during an armed robbery with his accomplice from Long Island in November. Elier… Read more »
Feb. 14, 2025 By Ethan Marshall Northwest Queens, which includes the neighborhoods of Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside and Woodside, experienced year-over-year growth across all price trend indicators during the first month of 2025, according to a report by the real estate firm Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The median rent across northwest Queens increased 6.3% year-over-year,… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2025 By Neil Herdan There is no doubt these are very challenging times for Astoria businesses. The cost of many essentials, such as spare parts and food products, has increased. Conversely, labor costs, labor shortages, energy bills, and property insurance have skyrocketed. Some businesses, such as Retro on Broadway, lost their leases. Others,… Read more »
Feb. 10, 2025 By Ethan Marshall Permits have been filed for the construction of a 5-story mixed-use building at 11-08 Main Ave. in Astoria. The lot, which has previously been used as a school bus parking area, is located across from the Two Coves Community Garden. The proposed development would be 54 feet tall and… Read more »
Feb. 5, 2025 By Bill Parry Two months after an unhinged robber allegedly attacked a woman in a Long Island City subway station, the NYPD released new images of the suspect and asked for the public’s help in identifying him. Police from the 114th Precinct in Astoria and Transit District 20 are still looking for… Read more »
Feb. 5, 2025 By Rob Pozarycki Transit police in Queens are searching for the suspect involved in a violent subway stabbing during an argument on Friday, Jan. 31. The NYPD released images on Tuesday night of the assailant, who is sought in connection with the attack at the Steinway Street station on the R line… Read more »
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 »
Jan. 31, 2025 By Ethan Marshall New York City has launched a housing lottery meant to benefit seniors for 13 units in a 7-story mixed-use building at 3-11 27th Ave. in Astoria. The building has 50 residences, 37 of which are market rate. The other 13 units are available for those earning 80% of the… Read more »
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 »