Feb. 4, 2025 By Colum Motherway Several elected officials in Queens have come together to support Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar in her bid to become NYC Public Advocate. Council Member Robert Holden, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, and Assembly Members David Weprin, Nily Rozic, and Sam Berger have all endorsed Rajkumar for Public Advocate, lauding…
Tag: Robert Holden
New York officials and organizations denounce reports of Trump move to stop congestion pricing
Jan. 30, 2025 By Shane O’Brien New York officials and organizations have hit out at reports that the Trump Administration is considering a move to halt the congestion pricing toll for motorists entering Manhattan south of 60th Street. The New York Times reported Thursday afternoon that the Department of Transportation is considering a move…
Ridgewood bubble tea shop faces surge in hate incidents and shoplifting, Holden pledges support
Jan. 24, 2025 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has condemned a troubling rise in harassment, shoplifting, and anti-Asian hate incidents targeting Mr. Wish, a popular bubble tea shop in Ridgewood. A group of teenagers has allegedly been terrorizing the business, shouting racial slurs, using profanity, and stealing items, according to Holden’s office.…
CM Holden: ICE’s arrest of child sex offender shows failures of sanctuary city policies
Dec. 27, 2024 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has commended ICE for their arrest of a child sex offender in New York City but also expressed his disappointment with sanctuary city policies. On Dec. 17, Raymond Rojas Basilio, a previously removed citizen of Mexico convicted of forcibly touching a child, was arrested…
Pushing back: Why immigrant and hospitality advocacy groups are fighting NYC e-bike registration bill
Dec. 12, 2024 By Barbara Russo-Lennon Special interest groups are trying to stop a bill that would require e-vehicles to register with the city, amNewYork Metro has learned. Lobbyists and other nonprofit organizations want to stop Priscilla’s Law (Intro. 606), a bill that would require the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to register and…
Queens leaders divided over Daniel Penny acquittal, sparking heated reactions and call for improved mental health services
Dec. 10, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Several Queens politicians issued statements following the acquittal of Daniel Penny Monday, with comments from the likes of Astoria Council Member Tiffany Cabán generating enormous controversy. Cabán, in the wake of Penny being found not guilty in the May 2023 chokehold death of Jordan Neely, posted a statement…
Council Members Holden, Ariola and Paladino team up to host winter essentials drive for homeless veterans
Dec. 6, 2024 By Athena Dawson Three Queens council members have partnered to bring cold weather essentials for veterans in the borough. Council Members Robert Holden, Vickie Paladino and Joann Ariola have partnered with local organizations to launch a Veterans Winter Drive for homeless veterans at Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. From now until Dec. 16,…
CM Holden calls out City Planning Commission over City of Yes zoning plan ahead of major vote
Dec. 4, 2024 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden has reiterated his opposition to the proposed City of Yes zoning plan and heavily criticized the City Planning Commission (CPC) for their involvement. On Thursday, Nov. 21, Mayor Eric Adams’ controversial reform plan progressed through the City Council after the CPC approved slight modifications. …
City of yes for housing faces fierce pushback in Queens ahead of vote
Nov. 27, 2024 By Athena Dawson As the City Council’s voting deadline on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity steadily approaches, residents, civic groups, and local elected officials throughout Queens have voiced their stance on the monumental rezoning proposal. The City Council is expected to hold a final vote on Dec. 5 regarding…
CM Holden’s initiative and CB5 meeting result in positive enforcement in District 30 parks
Nov. 27, 2024 By Colum Motherway Council Member Robert Holden recently called for increased NYPD presence in parks across District 30, requesting an enforcement operation to address ongoing quality-of-life concerns. Holden held meetings with key NYPD officials, including Chief of Patrol John Chell, Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera, and Chief of Patrol Borough Queens…