Tag: city-council-member-robert-holden

Queens leaders celebrate appointment of first-ever American Pope

american pope

May. 9, 2025 By Colum Motherway In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church and American history, Queens elected officials are proudly celebrating the appointment of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.  The 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first American to be elected pope, assuming the role of the 267th successor to…

Seniors take the stage: Inside Broadway brings arts programs to Queens older adults

inside broadway

May. 5, 2025 By Colum Motherway Queens senior citizens have been taking center stage this spring, thanks to Inside Broadway’s vibrant and engaging arts programs made possible through a partnership with the NYC Council’s SU-CASA initiative.  The nonprofit, long celebrated for its work with public school students across New York City, is once again…

Maspeth leaders reject proposed cannabis dispensary near elementary school, cite state law violations

cannabis dispensary

May. 1, 2025 By Colum Motherway A broad coalition of elected officials, civic leaders and Community Board 5 is calling on state regulators to reject a proposed adult-use cannabis dispensary in the heart of Maspeth, arguing that the location violates New York State’s mandated 500-foot buffer zone between dispensaries and schools. The proposed dispensary…

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…

Diocese of Brooklyn to honor Pope Francis with Friday Vigil Mass in Elmhurst

Pope Francis

Apr. 24, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens will honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis with a Vigil Mass of Repose on Friday, April 25, at Saint Bartholomew Church in Elmhurst. Bishop Robert Brennan will preside over the bilingual English and Spanish liturgy at 43-22 Ithaca St. at…

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…

Newtown Historical Society unveils rare maps of old Queens in Maspeth exhibit

Newtown Historical Society exhibit in Maspeth

Apr. 16, 2025 By Colum Motherway The Newtown Historical Society, in collaboration with Council Member Robert Holden, has unveiled its latest exhibit, ‘Historic Maps of Newtown.’  It is now open to the public at Holden’s district office, located at 58-38 69 St., 2nd Floor. The exhibit is available for viewing during regular business hours…

District 30 Council race intensifies with contrasting perspectives from Pogozelski and Holden’s staff

Council Member Robert Holden and District 30 candidate Paul Pogozelski

Apr. 10, 2025 By Colum Motherway The race for the District 30 City Council seat has grown increasingly contentious, with candidate Paul Pogozelski at odds with current Council Member Robert Holden and his Chief of Staff, Daniel Kurzyna, over allegations of misinformation and associations with past political figures. Tensions escalated following a report by…

Common Sense Caucus pushes back on NYC’s mandatory composting law, call for voluntary participation

Common sense caucus on composting regulations

Apr. 8, 2025 By Colum Motherway A group of City Council Members known as the “Common Sense Caucus” is gearing up to introduce legislation next week aimed at making New York City’s recently implemented mandatory household composting program voluntary.  The caucus, which includes Council Members Robert Holden, Kristy Marmorato, Vickie Paladino, Joann Ariola, Susan…