Tag: council-member-robert-holden

Community divided over migrant shelter at Maspeth synagogue

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migrant shelter

Mar. 20, 2024 By Anthony Medina A dueling rally was held in Maspeth Saturday outside a synagogue turned migrant shelter where about 50 opponents and 20 supporters stood their ground on opposite sides of Grand Avenue. The Maspeth Jewish Center, located at 66-64 Grand Ave., which began operating as a 15-bed temporary housing facility for migrant men earlier this month, sparked controversy among some residents both in-person and through social media. Demonstrators at Saturday’s protest made their voices heard through chants and signage that clearly stated their stance on the migrant shelter and the crisis as a whole. Protesters against…
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Maspeth Synagogue turned migrant shelter receives backlash from community members

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Mar. 12, 2024 By Anthony Medina Maspeth Jewish Center, located at 66-64 Grand Ave., is the latest house of worship to join others in the city’s efforts to provide housing for migrants in Queens. The synagogue began operating as a 15-bed shelter for migrant men on Thursday, Mar. 7, according to information shared  by Council Member Robert Holden.  Holden, who represents the neighborhoods of Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, Elmhurst, Rego Park and parts of Ridgewood, made it clear on Facebook and X that he and the community he serves are against the site.  “I find this completely unacceptable. The community should…
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New bill targets RV and mobile home removal from residential streets in NYC

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Feb. 14, 2024 By Rachel Butler Recreational vehicles (RV’s) and mobile homes may soon be forcibly removed from residential streets at certain times if a new senate bill introduced by council members Robert Holden and Kamillah Hanks becomes law. Holden, who represents Ridgewood and surrounding areas and Hanks who represents Staten Island have introduced a new bill to combat the recent surge of RV’s and mobile homes permanently parked on streets in residential areas. Holden said that as New York’s housing crisis deepens, there has been an increase in people using RV’s and mobile homes as permanent housing, while paying…
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Queens council member calls for relocation of live animal slaughter markets from NYC amid allegations of animal mistreatment

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Jan. 31, 2024 By Rachel Butler A Queens council member is calling for live animal slaughter markets to be moved outside of New York City following unannounced visits to a market in Ridgewood and another one in Bushwick on Jan. 17.  Council Member Robert Holden, who represents Glendale, Middle Village and surrounding areas, is pushing for the change after visiting the Tiba Live Poultry Slaughter market, located at 905 Wykoff Ave. in Ridgewood, and the Kikiriki Live Poultry market, located at 334 Linden St. in Bushwick, where he alleges the animals are being mistreated. He said that sheep and goats…
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Several mental health bills to support veterans passed by City Council 

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Dec. 26, 2023 By Iryna Shkurhan Several pieces of legislation geared towards supporting veterans—two of which were introduced by Queens city council members—were passed by the council last week.  The Council put forward the Mental Health Roadmap in April as part of an effort to expand prevention and support services to those in need of mental health resources. It also sought to increase interagency coordination, address the shortage of mental health workers and limit the intersection with the criminal justice system, all while increasing awareness.  The second phase of the plan, unveiled in November, focused on the mental health needs…
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Western Queens community leaders applaud completion of Maspeth Park alongside Kosciuszko Bridge

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Nov. 1, 2023 By Bill Parry Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the completion of a $17.8 million project to construct Maspeth Park, located within walking distance from surrounding residential neighborhoods including Sunnyside and Blissville. It is the first park to be built in the western portion of Maspeth. The park was built on nearly one…
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Halloween Festival, Trunk-or-Treat celebration brings hundreds to Middle Village

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Oct. 31, 2023 By Anthony Medina Council Member Robert Holden, in partnership with NYC Parks, hosted the annual Halloween festival, Trunk-or-Treat and costume parade at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village, on Saturday, Oct. 28. Kids and parents first gathered at Juniper Valley Park on 74th Street to begin the costume parade filled with both…
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Queens elected officials voice concerns over cannabis dispensary proximity to schools

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Oct. 19, 2023 By Czarinna Andres and Anthony Medina Queens elected officials have united to formally express their concerns over proposed adult-use retail dispensary license applications for storefronts in Glendale and Maspeth, citing the potential risks posed by their proximity to educational institutions. In a letter written on Monday, Oct. 16, addressed to the New… Read more »